2003 BMW 320 vs. 1990 BMW 316
To start off, 2003 BMW 320 is newer by 13 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 320 (142 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 320 weights approximately 230 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, 2003 BMW 320 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 320 | 1990 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 316 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |
