1990 BMW 316 vs. 2001 Noble M12
To start off, 2001 Noble M12 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 2,968 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Noble M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Noble M12 (335 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Noble M12 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 316 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2001 Noble M12.
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 Noble M12 (485 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 344 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2001 Noble M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 2001 Noble M12 | |
| Make | BMW | Noble |
| Model | 316 | M12 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 485 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| 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 | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2440 mm |
