1989 BMW 850 vs. 1996 Nissan Patrol
To start off, 1996 Nissan Patrol is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Patrol. (114 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Patrol. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Nissan Patrol weights approximately 733 kg more than 1989 BMW 850.
Because 1989 BMW 850 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1989 BMW 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Nissan Patrol, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Patrol. (225 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Patrol. 1989 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 1996 Nissan Patrol has manual transmission. 1996 Nissan Patrol will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 1996 Nissan Patrol | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 850 | Patrol |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 2824 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1988 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1810 mm |
