1993 BMW 856 vs. 1995 BMW 317
To start off, 1995 BMW 317 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 BMW 856. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 BMW 856 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 287 more horse power than 1995 BMW 317. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 BMW 856 should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 BMW 856 weights approximately 510 kg more than 1995 BMW 317. 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 360 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1993 BMW 856 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW 317.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 BMW 856 | 1995 BMW 317 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 856 | 317 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5576 cc | 1665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 550 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2710 mm |
