1996 BMW 540 vs. 1997 Toyota Avensis
To start off, 1997 Toyota Avensis 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 156 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Avensis. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Avensis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 540 kg more than 1997 Toyota Avensis. 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 Toyota Avensis, 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 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Avensis. (187 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Avensis. 1997 Toyota Avensis 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 Toyota Avensis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1997 Toyota Avensis | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 540 | Avensis |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 10.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
