1996 BMW 840 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 1996 BMW 840 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 840 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 840 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. (231 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 840 weights approximately 265 kg more than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. 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, 1996 BMW 840 (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. (327 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 840 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 840 | 420 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 327 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3080 mm |
