2004 BMW 316 vs. 2001 Noble M12
To start off, 2004 BMW 316 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Noble M12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Noble M12 would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Noble M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Noble M12 (306 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 2004 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Noble M12 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 316 weights approximately 485 kg more than 2001 Noble M12.
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 Noble M12 (435 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 316. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2001 Noble M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 316 | 2001 Noble M12 | |
| Make | BMW | Noble |
| Model | 316 | M12 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 435 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2440 mm |
