1996 BMW 840 vs. 1990 BMW 316
To start off, 1996 BMW 840 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 316 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 182 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 840 weights approximately 660 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. 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 (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 840 | 1990 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 840 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
