1990 BMW 316 vs. 2007 BMW M
To start off, 2007 BMW M is newer by 17 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW M (330 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW M should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316.
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, 2007 BMW M (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2007 BMW M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 2007 BMW M | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | M |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| 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 Length | 4330 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
