1996 BMW 540 vs. 2001 Spyker C8
To start off, 2001 Spyker C8 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Spyker C8 (395 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Spyker C8 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 665 kg more than 2001 Spyker C8.
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 Spyker C8 (481 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Spyker C8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2001 Spyker C8 | |
| Make | BMW | Spyker |
| Model | 540 | C8 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 395 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 481 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 93 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 300 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 4.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 100 L |
