2008 BMW 318 vs. 1983 BMW 316
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 25 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), 2008 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1983 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 405 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, 2008 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1983 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 316 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1765 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
