1996 BMW 540 vs. 1996 Ford Probe
To start off, both 1996 BMW 540 and 1996 Ford Probe were released in the same year (1996). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 164 more horse power than 1996 Ford Probe. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 615 kg more than 1996 Ford Probe. 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, 1996 Ford Probe, 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 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Probe. (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Probe. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Probe has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Probe 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 | 1996 Ford Probe | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 540 | Probe |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 58 L |
