1996 BMW 840 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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, 1996 BMW 840 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 840 weights approximately 490 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 840 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 840. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 271 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 840 | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 840 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.3 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |
