1998 BMW 323 vs. 1993 BMW 856
To start off, 1998 BMW 323 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 BMW 856. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 BMW 856 would be higher. At 5,576 cc (12 cylinders), 1993 BMW 856 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 BMW 856 (376 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1998 BMW 323. (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 BMW 856 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 BMW 856 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1998 BMW 323. 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, 1993 BMW 856 (550 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 305 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 323. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1993 BMW 856 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 323 | 1993 BMW 856 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 323 | 856 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 5576 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2690 mm |
