1998 BMW 316 vs. 1996 BMW 525
To start off, 1998 BMW 316 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 525 (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (106 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 313 kg more than 1998 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, 1996 BMW 525 (279 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 1996 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 279 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
