2006 BMW 320 vs. 1989 BMW 850
To start off, 2006 BMW 320 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 2006 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 850 weights approximately 212 kg more than 2006 BMW 320. 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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 320. (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 320 | 1989 BMW 850 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 850 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1792 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
