1999 BMW 320 vs. 1981 Honda Ballade
To start off, 1999 BMW 320 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 320 (148 HP) has 81 more horse power than 1981 Honda Ballade. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 320 weights approximately 635 kg more than 1981 Honda Ballade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Honda Ballade, 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, 1999 BMW 320 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Ballade. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 320 | 1981 Honda Ballade | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 320 | Ballade |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1334 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2330 mm |
