1985 BMW 324 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 BMW 324. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 BMW 324 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1985 BMW 324. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1985 BMW 324. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 555 kg more than 1985 BMW 324. 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 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 BMW 324. (152 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 BMW 324.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW 324 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 324 | 540 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.5 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.1 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.9 L/100km | 18.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.6 L/100km | 12.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
