1998 BMW 740 vs. 2009 BMW 320
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 740 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 740 (286 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 740 weights approximately 388 kg more than 2009 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, 1998 BMW 740 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 740 | 2009 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 740 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 331 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 9.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1968 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 63 L |
