1992 BMW 540 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 19 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 81 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. (201 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 195 kg more than 1992 BMW 540.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 540. (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 540 | E |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1845 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
