1996 BMW 540 vs. 1995 Rover 800
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Rover 800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Rover 800 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 115 more horse power than 1995 Rover 800. (167 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1995 Rover 800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 291 kg more than 1995 Rover 800. 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, 1995 Rover 800, 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 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Rover 800. (225 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Rover 800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1995 Rover 800 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 540 | 800 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2675 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 75 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 4.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
