1998 BMW 320 vs. 2012 Acura TL
To start off, 2012 Acura TL is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Acura TL (280 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (170 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Acura TL weights approximately 190 kg more than 1998 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 320 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 1998 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Acura TL, 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, 2012 Acura TL (344 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 2012 Acura TL | |
| Make | BMW | Acura |
| Model | 320 | TL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2169 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4928 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
