I don't have much room to talk. However I had just bought a 1994 740iL that had 204,000 mi on it's 4.0 V8. And my very good friend Ross has a late 90's 3 Series, a newer X5, a 6 Series and a GS. I have seen all these vehicles under full operation. And it's my firm belief that my 7 Series has more stock HP than any of my friends vehicles. Granted he has a straight 6 cyl in the 3 Series and has a stage 2 clutch with a upgraded rear axle, my car feels like it too has the same amount of force in the acceleration. The ride is very pleasing. To put it lightly, it rides like a cloud. I am very glad that I picked this one for my first BMW!