1996 BMW 540 vs. 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 113 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport. 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, 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport, 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 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport. (190 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 540 | 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | 540 | Trans Sport |
Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2260 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 145 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 85 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 12.3 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1702 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1890 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1720 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3110 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |