1996 BMW 840 vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 840 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1996 BMW 840. (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 840. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1996 BMW 840. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW X3 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, 2012 BMW X3 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, 1996 BMW 840 (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW X3. (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 840 | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 840 | X3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.3 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 67 L |
