1996 BMW 840 vs. 2008 BMW X5
To start off, 2008 BMW X5 is newer by 12 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 54 more horse power than 2008 BMW X5. (228 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW X5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X5 weights approximately 209 kg more than 1996 BMW 840.
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, 2008 BMW X5 (481 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 840. (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 840. 1996 BMW 840 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW X5 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW X5 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 | 2008 BMW X5 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 840 | X5 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 481 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 88 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 2099 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 93 L |
