1997 BMW 316 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Bora
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Bora is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Bora (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1997 BMW 316. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Bora should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 316 weights approximately 115 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Bora.
Because 1997 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 1997 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Bora, 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, 2003 Volkswagen Bora (155 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Bora will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 316. 2003 Volkswagen Bora has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Bora will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 316 | 2003 Volkswagen Bora | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 316 | Bora |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
