1992 BMW 540 vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 is newer by 20 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 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (530 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 248 more horse power than 1992 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 61 kg more than 2012 Porsche 911.
Because 2012 Porsche 911 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1992 BMW 540. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 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, 2012 Porsche 911 (699 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 540. (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 540 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 530 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1721 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4478 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.6 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.2 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 67 L |
