1991 BMW 318 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 BMW 318 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 142 more horse power than 1991 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1991 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 575 kg more than 1991 BMW 318. 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 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
1991 BMW 318 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 318 | 540 |
Year Released | 1991 | 1996 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4397 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 140 HP | 282 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 175 Nm | 440 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.2 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1815 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2830 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |