1996 BMW 740 vs. 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 740 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 740 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix. (240 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 740 weights approximately 331 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 740 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 1996 BMW 740. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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, 1996 BMW 740 (420 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix. (380 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 740 | 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 740 | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1614 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 66 L |
