1996 BMW 840 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 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 45 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton. (237 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 575 kg more than 1996 BMW 840.
Because 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 840. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 840. (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 840.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 840 | 2009 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 840 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 2315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5179 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3001 mm |
