1990 BMW 316 vs. 1997 BMW Z3
To start off, 1997 BMW Z3 is newer by 7 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 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW Z3 (333 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 233 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW Z3 weights approximately 313 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, 1997 BMW Z3 (355 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1997 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3245 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 333 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
