2008 BMW 318 vs. 1990 BMW 316
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 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 (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1990 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 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1990 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 316 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
