1995 BMW M5 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW M5 would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW M5 (335 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1995 BMW M5.
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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW M5. (400 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW M5. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1995 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1995 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW M5 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 540 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3794 cc | 4396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 251 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
