1990 BMW 316 vs. 2001 BMW 520
To start off, 2001 BMW 520 is newer by 11 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 520 weights approximately 590 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, 2001 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2001 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 | 2001 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
