1996 BMW 540 vs. 1988 Volvo 440
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volvo 440. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volvo 440 would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1988 Volvo 440. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volvo 440. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 815 kg more than 1988 Volvo 440. 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 Volvo 440, 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 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 440. (140 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 440. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1988 Volvo 440 has manual transmission. 1988 Volvo 440 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 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 540 | 440 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.8 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
