1998 BMW Pickster vs. 1989 BMW 850
To start off, 1998 BMW Pickster is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW Pickster (317 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1989 BMW 850. (296 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW Pickster should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 850.
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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW Pickster. (345 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW Pickster. 1989 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW Pickster has manual transmission. 1998 BMW Pickster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW Pickster | 1989 BMW 850 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Pickster | 850 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 345 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
