1996 BMW 523 vs. 1998 BMW 740
To start off, 1998 BMW 740 is newer by 2 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 740 (286 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1996 BMW 523. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 740 weights approximately 423 kg more than 1996 BMW 523. 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, 1998 BMW 740 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 523. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 1998 BMW 740 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 523 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1968 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 95 L |
