1984 BMW M6 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 BMW M6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 BMW M6 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 282 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1984 BMW M6.
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 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW M6. (335 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW M6. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1984 BMW M6 has manual transmission. 1984 BMW M6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW M6 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M6 | 540 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Top Speed | 254 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
