1998 BMW 316 vs. 2005 BMW 325
To start off, 2005 BMW 325 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 325 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (106 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 325 weights approximately 295 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, 2005 BMW 325 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316. 2005 BMW 325 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 325 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 2005 BMW 325 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 325 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.9 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 63 L |
