1990 BMW 316 vs. 2010 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2010 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 20 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 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda CX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda CX-7 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 638 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.
Because 1990 BMW 316 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1990 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Mazda CX-7, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2010 Mazda CX-7 (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 2010 Mazda CX-7 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 2010 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 316 | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1718 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 69 L |
