1998 BMW 316 vs. 1996 BMW 840
To start off, 1998 BMW 316 is newer by 2 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 176 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (106 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 840 weights approximately 640 kg more than 1998 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 BMW 840 (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316. 1996 BMW 840 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 840 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 1996 BMW 840 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 840 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 90 L |
