1996 BMW 540 vs. 2000 BMW 730
To start off, 2000 BMW 730 is newer by 4 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 92 more horse power than 2000 BMW 730. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW 730 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
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 @ 3600 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW 730. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2000 BMW 730 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 540 | 730 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
