1996 BMW 740 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 15 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 148 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. (134 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 885 kg more than 1996 BMW 740.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz A, 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 235 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. (185 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. 1996 BMW 740 has automatic transmission and 2011 Mercedes-Benz A has manual transmission. 2011 Mercedes-Benz A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 740 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 740 | A |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2034 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 60 L |
