1996 BMW 540 vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, both 1996 BMW 540 and 1996 Volvo S40 were released in the same year (1996). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1996 Volvo S40. (138 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 517 kg more than 1996 Volvo S40. 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 Volvo S40, 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 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo S40. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo S40. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1996 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 1996 Volvo S40 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 Volvo S40 | |
Make | BMW | Volvo |
Model | 540 | S40 |
Year Released | 1996 | 1996 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1948 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 183 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 88.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1218 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4490 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2560 mm |