1989 BMW 850 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 850 weights approximately 57 kg more than 1996 BMW 540. 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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1989 BMW 850 has manual transmission. 1989 BMW 850 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:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 540 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
