1996 BMW 540 vs. 1988 Peugeot 405
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Peugeot 405. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Peugeot 405 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1988 Peugeot 405. (89 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1988 Peugeot 405. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 643 kg more than 1988 Peugeot 405. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 540 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Peugeot 405, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 308 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Peugeot 405. (132 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Peugeot 405. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1988 Peugeot 405 has manual transmission. 1988 Peugeot 405 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:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1988 Peugeot 405 | |
| Make | BMW | Peugeot |
| Model | 540 | 405 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
