2008 BMW 116 vs. 1992 BMW 538
To start off, 2008 BMW 116 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 538. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 538 would be higher. At 3,795 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 BMW 538 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 538 (341 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 228 more horse power than 2008 BMW 116. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 538 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 538 weights approximately 625 kg more than 2008 BMW 116. 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, 1992 BMW 538 (400 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 116. (151 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 538 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 116.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 116 | 1992 BMW 538 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 116 | 538 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 341 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
