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 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (238 HP @ 5800 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 38 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 540. (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 540 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.2 |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1721 kg | 1683 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2031 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1434 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.6 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.2 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
