1992 BMW 540 vs. 2006 BMW 320
To start off, 2006 BMW 320 is newer by 14 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, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 2006 BMW 320. (168 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2006 BMW 320. 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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 2006 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 540 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 63 L |
