2003 BMW M3 vs. 1996 BMW 840
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 7 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 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 840 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 840 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2003 BMW M3. (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 840 weights approximately 298 kg more than 2003 BMW M3. 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 (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1996 BMW 840 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 840 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 3982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 63 L |
