1996 BMW 840 vs. 2009 BMW Z4
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 is newer by 13 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 2009 BMW Z4. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 840 weights approximately 505 kg more than 2009 BMW Z4. 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 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW Z4. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW Z4. 1996 BMW 840 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW Z4 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 | 2009 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 840 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1310 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |
