1990 BMW 316 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 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 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 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, 2012 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 2012 BMW 520 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. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1990 BMW 316 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 316 | 520 |
Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
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 | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 141 Nm | 380 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4907 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1462 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2968 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |