1996 BMW 540 vs. 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport is newer by 2 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport. (183 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport weights approximately 15 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
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, 1998 Chevrolet 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 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport. (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 540 | Trans Sport |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3348 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 183 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3050 mm |
