1998 BMW 316 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 13 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (106 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 420 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, 2011 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316. 2011 BMW 520 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. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.9 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
