1996 BMW 540 vs. 2001 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 2001 Suzuki Vitara 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, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 2001 Suzuki Vitara. (74 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2001 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 585 kg more than 2001 Suzuki Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Suzuki Vitara 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 Suzuki Vitara 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 302 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Suzuki Vitara. (138 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Suzuki Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2001 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | BMW | Suzuki |
| Model | 540 | Vitara |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1905 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2210 mm |
