1988 BMW 520 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1988 BMW 520. 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 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 540 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 18.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
