1996 BMW 540 vs. 2000 Ford Laser
To start off, 2000 Ford Laser 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 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 2000 Ford Laser. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2000 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 730 kg more than 2000 Ford Laser. 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 Ford Laser, 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 295 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Ford Laser. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Ford Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2000 Ford Laser | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 540 | Laser |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 81.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2620 mm |
