1996 BMW 540 vs. 1994 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Volkswagen Polo 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 207 more horse power than 1994 Volkswagen Polo. (75 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1994 Volkswagen Polo.
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, 1994 Volkswagen Polo, 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 312 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Volkswagen Polo. (128 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1994 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 540 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
