1992 BMW M3 vs. 1990 BMW 316
To start off, 1992 BMW M3 is newer by 2 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 2,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW M3 (282 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW M3 weights approximately 385 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, 1992 BMW M3 (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1992 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW M3 | 1990 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2990 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
