1990 BMW 316 vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 842 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 2012 Nissan Frontier is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 BMW 316. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier will offer significantly more control. 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 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 316 | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1922 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
