2003 BMW M3 vs. 1983 BMW 316
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 316 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 254 more horse power than 1983 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 395 kg more than 1983 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 M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 316. 1983 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1983 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 316 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1765 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
