1996 BMW 840 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 8 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, 1996 BMW 840 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 840 weights approximately 355 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Jetta, 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) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm). This means 1996 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 840 | 2004 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 840 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
