1996 BMW 540 vs. 1999 Kia Sportage
To start off, 1999 Kia Sportage 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, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1999 Kia Sportage. (126 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1999 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 278 kg more than 1999 Kia Sportage. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Kia Sportage 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, 1999 Kia Sportage 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 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Kia Sportage. (175 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Kia Sportage. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1999 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 1999 Kia Sportage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1999 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | BMW | Kia |
| Model | 540 | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1996 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 | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1457 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2660 mm |
