1990 BMW 316 vs. 1981 BMW M1
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW M1 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW M1 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1981 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1981 BMW M1 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | M1 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 116 L |
