1992 BMW 540 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 21 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 55 more horse power than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (227 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2013 BMW 3 Series. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2013 BMW 3 Series. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 BMW 3 Series 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 BMW 3 Series.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 540 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 61 L |
