1996 BMW 540 vs. 1997 Chevrolet Express
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Express is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,997 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Express. (217 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Express. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 549 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
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 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Express. (379 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Express. 1997 Chevrolet Express 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. 1997 Chevrolet Express will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1997 Chevrolet Express | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 540 | Express |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 4997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 379 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 2364 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3440 mm |
