2004 BMW 320 vs. 1983 BMW 316
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 21 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 320 (142 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1983 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 320 weights approximately 500 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, 2004 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 320 | 1983 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 316 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1572 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
