1996 BMW 840 vs. 1988 BMW 525
To start off, 1996 BMW 840 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 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 114 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 840 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1988 BMW 525. 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 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525. 1996 BMW 840 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 840 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 840 | 1988 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 840 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
