2001 BMW M3 vs. 1990 BMW 316
To start off, 2001 BMW M3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 316 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M3 weights approximately 575 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. 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, 2001 BMW M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2001 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW M3 | 1990 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 316 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
