1990 BMW 316 vs. 1996 BMW 520
To start off, 1996 BMW 520 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 520 weights approximately 416 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, 1996 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1996 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1496 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
