1996 BMW 316 vs. 1980 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 1996 BMW 316 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Chevrolet Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Chevrolet Suburban would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Chevrolet Suburban (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1996 BMW 316. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 920 kg more than 1996 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 316. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Chevrolet Suburban 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, 1980 Chevrolet Suburban (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1980 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 316. 1980 Chevrolet Suburban has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 316 | 1980 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 316 | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 2230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3300 mm |
