1996 BMW 540 vs. 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
To start off, 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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 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 87 more horse power than 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee. (195 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 19 kg more than 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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, 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee. (312 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee | |
| Make | BMW | Jeep |
| Model | 540 | Grand Cherokee |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 98.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 86.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1716 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2700 mm |
