2004 BMW 118 vs. 1980 BMW 316
To start off, 2004 BMW 118 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 118 (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1980 BMW 316. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 118 weights approximately 265 kg more than 1980 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, 2004 BMW 118 (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW 316. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW 316. 2004 BMW 118 has automatic transmission and 1980 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1980 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 118 | 1980 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 118 | 316 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1573 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 58 L |
