1996 BMW 840 vs. 2006 BMW 320
To start off, 2006 BMW 320 is newer by 10 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 134 more horse power than 2006 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 840 weights approximately 310 kg more than 2006 BMW 320. 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 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 320. (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 840 | 2006 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 840 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 63 L |
