1998 BMW 740 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 14 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 104 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 740 weights approximately 178 kg more than 2012 BMW 520. 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 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 740 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 740 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1968 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 70 L |
