1998 BMW 320 vs. 2012 BMW 640
To start off, 2012 BMW 640 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 640 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 640 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (170 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 640 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 640 weights approximately 435 kg more than 1998 BMW 320. 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, 2012 BMW 640 (630 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 420 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 640 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 2012 BMW 640 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 640 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2169 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 5.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4894 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1894 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1365 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2855 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
