1996 BMW 316 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1996 BMW 316. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 70 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 1996 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 1996 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 316 | 2007 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 316 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
