1990 BMW 316 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 21 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 305 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, 2011 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
