1988 BMW 524 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 524. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 524 would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 490 kg more than 1988 BMW 524. 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 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 524. (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 524. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 524 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 524 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:
1988 BMW 524 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 524 | 540 |
Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2493 cc | 4396 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 113 HP | 282 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 440 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 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 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1845 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2840 mm |