1996 BMW 540 vs. 2000 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2000 Buick LaCrosse 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2000 Buick LaCrosse. (261 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2000 Buick LaCrosse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 261 kg more than 2000 Buick LaCrosse. 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, 2000 Buick LaCrosse, 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 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Buick LaCrosse. (392 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Buick LaCrosse. 2000 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 540 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2000 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 540 | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 4200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3100 mm |
