2008 BMW 320 vs. 1996 BMW 840
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 12 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 114 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 840 weights approximately 270 kg more than 2008 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, 1996 BMW 840 (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 1996 BMW 840 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 840 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 3982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
