1986 BMW M5 vs. 1996 BMW 840
To start off, 1996 BMW 840 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M5 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 840 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 840 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1986 BMW M5. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 840 weights approximately 371 kg more than 1986 BMW M5. 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 840 (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW M5. (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW M5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M5 | 1996 BMW 840 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 840 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 90 L |
