1996 BMW 840 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 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 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1996 BMW 840. (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 840. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 840 weights approximately 179 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E.
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 Mercedes-Benz E (600 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 840. (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 840.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 840 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 840 | E |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1711 kg |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.3 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.7 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 66 L |
