2009 BMW 116 vs. 1996 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 116 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 523 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2009 BMW 116. (120 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 523 weights approximately 225 kg more than 2009 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, 1996 BMW 523 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 116. (160 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 116.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 116 | 1996 BMW 523 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 116 | 523 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 70 L |
