2009 BMW 330 vs. 1988 BMW 316
To start off, 2009 BMW 330 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 335 kg more than 2009 BMW 330.
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, 2009 BMW 330 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 330 | 1988 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | 316 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 72 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 15.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
