2008 BMW 316 vs. 1981 BMW 528
To start off, 2008 BMW 316 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2008 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 316 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1981 BMW 528.
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, 1981 BMW 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 316. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 316 | 1981 BMW 528 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 528 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
