1996 BMW 540 vs. 1988 Volvo 760
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 760. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volvo 760 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1988 Volvo 760. (165 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volvo 760. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1988 Volvo 760. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 760. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 760. 1988 Volvo 760 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 540 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Volvo 760 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1988 Volvo 760 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 540 | 760 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2780 mm |
