1997 BMW 850 vs. 1990 BMW 316
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 7 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 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 865 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 349 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1990 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 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 |
