2003 BMW 320 vs. 1983 BMW 323
To start off, 2003 BMW 320 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,315 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 148 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 320 weights approximately 338 kg more than 1983 BMW 323.
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, 2003 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 323. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 320 | 1983 BMW 323 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 323 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2315 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1127 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
