1996 BMW 540 vs. 1998 Subaru Impreza
To start off, 1998 Subaru Impreza 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1998 Subaru Impreza. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1998 Subaru Impreza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 810 kg more than 1998 Subaru Impreza. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Subaru Impreza is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 540. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Subaru Impreza will offer significantly more control. 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 312 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Subaru Impreza. (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Subaru Impreza.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1998 Subaru Impreza | |
| Make | BMW | Subaru |
| Model | 540 | Impreza |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2530 mm |
