1998 BMW 316 vs. 2009 BMW 740
To start off, 2009 BMW 740 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 316 would be higher. At 3,901 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 740 (254 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (103 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 740 weights approximately 692 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, 2009 BMW 740 (600 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 435 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 2009 BMW 740 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 3901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.6 seconds | 7.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1398 kg | 2090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 88 L |
