1990 BMW 316 vs. 2012 BMW 123
To start off, 2012 BMW 123 is newer by 22 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), 2012 BMW 123 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 123 (202 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 123 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 123 weights approximately 535 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, 2012 BMW 123 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 123 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 2012 BMW 123 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 123 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| 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 | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
