1990 BMW 316 vs. 2012 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 BMW 320 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 320 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 320 weights approximately 410 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 320 (270 Nm @ 1250 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 320 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 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 57 L |
