1990 BMW 316 vs. 1970 Saab Sonett III
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Saab Sonett III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Saab Sonett III would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 316 (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1970 Saab Sonett III. (64 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1970 Saab Sonett III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 316 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1970 Saab Sonett III. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW 316 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1990 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Saab Sonett III, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1990 BMW 316 (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Saab Sonett III. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Saab Sonett III.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1970 Saab Sonett III | |
| Make | BMW | Saab |
| Model | 316 | Sonett III |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2160 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
