2009 BMW 523 vs. 1992 BMW 316
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1992 BMW 316. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1992 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, 2009 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 316. 2009 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 1992 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1992 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 523 | 1992 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 523 | 316 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
