1992 BMW 540 vs. 2004 Porsche 996
To start off, 2004 Porsche 996 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 540 would be higher. At 3,980 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Porsche 996 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1992 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 162 kg more than 2004 Porsche 996.
Because 2004 Porsche 996 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1992 BMW 540. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Porsche 996 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Porsche 996. (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Porsche 996.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 2004 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 540 | 996 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 64 L |
