1996 BMW 840 vs. 2012 BMW M5
To start off, 2012 BMW M5 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M5 (560 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 278 more horse power than 1996 BMW 840. (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M5 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, 2012 BMW M5 (680 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 840. (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M5 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 M5 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 840 | M5 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 560 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 680 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1892 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1455 mm |
