1996 BMW 540 vs. 1988 Suzuki Jimny
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Suzuki Jimny. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Suzuki Jimny 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 256 more horse power than 1988 Suzuki Jimny. (26 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1988 Suzuki Jimny. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 1045 kg more than 1988 Suzuki Jimny. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Suzuki Jimny is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 540. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Jimny 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 388 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Suzuki Jimny. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Suzuki Jimny. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1988 Suzuki Jimny has manual transmission. 1988 Suzuki Jimny 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 Suzuki Jimny | |
| Make | BMW | Suzuki |
| Model | 540 | Jimny |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 539 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2040 mm |
