2001 BMW 320 vs. 1992 BMW 850
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1992 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 850 weights approximately 285 kg more than 2001 BMW 320. 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, 1992 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 320. (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 320. 2001 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1992 BMW 850 has manual transmission. 1992 BMW 850 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 1992 BMW 850 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 850 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 52 L |
