1996 BMW 540 vs. 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas
To start off, 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas is newer by 3 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, 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas weights approximately 65 kg more than 1996 BMW 540. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas. (394 Nm). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas | |
| Make | BMW | Jaguar |
| Model | 540 | Vanden Plas |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 394 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3000 mm |
