1996 BMW 840 vs. 2002 BMW 318
To start off, 2002 BMW 318 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 840. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 840 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 169 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 840 weights approximately 420 kg more than 2002 BMW 318. 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 159 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 318. (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 318. 1996 BMW 840 has automatic transmission and 2002 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2002 BMW 318 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 | 2002 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 840 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.3 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.7 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 63 L |
