1990 Ford Probe vs. 2004 BMW 316
To start off, 2004 BMW 316 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Probe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Probe would be higher. At 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 316 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1990 Ford Probe. (108 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 316 weights approximately 215 kg more than 1990 Ford Probe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 BMW 316 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Ford Probe, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1990 Ford Probe (179 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 316. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Probe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 316. 2004 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1990 Ford Probe has manual transmission. 1990 Ford Probe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Probe | 2004 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Probe | 316 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2184 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2730 mm |
