1990 BMW 316 vs. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 1,779 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta (109 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 316 weights approximately 154 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta.
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, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1985 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 316 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1779 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2480 mm |
