1996 BMW 540 vs. 2001 Ferrari Maranello
To start off, 2001 Ferrari Maranello is newer by 5 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 5,473 cc (12 cylinders), 2001 Ferrari Maranello is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ferrari Maranello (478 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ferrari Maranello should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 200 kg more than 2001 Ferrari Maranello.
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, 2001 Ferrari Maranello (568 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Ferrari Maranello will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2001 Ferrari Maranello has manual transmission. 2001 Ferrari Maranello 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 | 2001 Ferrari Maranello | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 540 | Maranello |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 5473 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 478 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 568 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 114 L |
