1996 BMW 840 vs. 2012 BMW 330
To start off, 2012 BMW 330 is newer by 16 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 26 more horse power than 2012 BMW 330. (256 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 330.
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, 2012 BMW 330 (540 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 840. (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 840.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 840 | 2012 BMW 330 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 840 | 330 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 57 L |
