1996 BMW 540 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A 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 202 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 640 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A, 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 310 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A. (130 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 540 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz A | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 540 | A |
Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1397 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 80 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 130 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 69.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 167 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 14.6 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1095 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3580 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1580 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2430 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.8 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 10.4 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |