1996 BMW 840 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1996 BMW 840. (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster 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 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 840. (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 840.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 840 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 840 | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
