1996 BMW 740 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 12 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 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (507 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1996 BMW 740. (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 740 weights approximately 800 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz E.
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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 740. (420 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 740.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 740 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 740 | E |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 507 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 80 L |
