Germany vs Germany — 1936 vs 1994
| 328 | 740i E38 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 80 hp | 282 hp |
| Torque | 94 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,971 cc | 4,398 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 12.0 sec | 6.3 sec |
| Top Speed | 93 mph | 155 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 14.8 sec |
| Weight | 1,830 lbs | 4,034 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm | 2,930 mm |
| Length | 3,900 mm | 4,984 mm |
| Units Produced | 464 | 328,000 |
| Original MSRP | — | $62,900 |
| Value (Excellent) | $1,500,000 | $30,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 3/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1936 BMW 328 brings lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1994 BMW 740i E38 answers with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
BMW has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1936 BMW 328 with the 1994 BMW 740i E38 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1994 BMW 740i E38 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 282 hp compared to 80 hp, a 202-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the BMW 328 uses a Inline-6 OHV displacing 1,971 cc, while the BMW 740i relies on a V8 DOHC 32V with 4,398 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1994 BMW 740i E38 edges ahead at 6.3 seconds versus 12.0 seconds. The BMW 328 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 2204 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 464 units built, the 1936 BMW 328 is considerably scarcer than the BMW 740i's 328,000 examples. On the collector market, the 1936 BMW 328 commands a significant premium over the 1994 BMW 740i E38, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1936 BMW 328 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.