1996 BMW 840 vs. 2002 Porsche 996
To start off, 2002 Porsche 996 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 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 840 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Porsche 996 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1996 BMW 840. (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 840. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 840 weights approximately 255 kg more than 2002 Porsche 996.
Because 2002 Porsche 996 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 840. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Porsche 996 will offer significantly more control. 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 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Porsche 996. (371 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Porsche 996.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 840 | 2002 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 840 | 996 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 371 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2360 mm |
