1993 BMW 856 vs. 1990 BMW 316
To start off, 1993 BMW 856 is newer by 3 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 5,576 cc (12 cylinders), 1993 BMW 856 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 BMW 856 (376 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 BMW 856 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 BMW 856 weights approximately 785 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, 1993 BMW 856 (550 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 409 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1993 BMW 856 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 BMW 856 | 1990 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 856 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5576 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 550 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2580 mm |
