I owned a 16 valve 740 until recently.
I had the car from day one until 180k miles or so.

The 16 valve engine is certainly more powerful than
the 8v. I think of it as the alternative if you
don't want turbo. It developes about the same max torque
,150 lf-ft, as the turbo but at at higher RPM @4500.
Some may think this is a bit too high and less drivable,
but it is sure powerful when going up hill at freeway speed.

The engine vibrates a little even with the balance shaft.
Other than changing timing belt at every 60k to 70k and
regular oil change, it was pretty much repair free.

Mine burn no oils at 180k miles! I think that's quite
amazing.