1996 BMW 840 vs. 1989 Rover 216
To start off, 1996 BMW 840 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Rover 216. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Rover 216 would be higher. At 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 840 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 840 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1989 Rover 216. (114 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 1989 Rover 216. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 840 weights approximately 660 kg more than 1989 Rover 216. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 840 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 840. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Rover 216, 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 840 (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Rover 216. (141 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Rover 216.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 840 | 1989 Rover 216 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 840 | 216 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2550 mm |
