1996 BMW 540 vs. 2002 Land Rover Discovery
To start off, 2002 Land Rover Discovery is newer by 6 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 101 more horse power than 2002 Land Rover Discovery. (181 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2002 Land Rover Discovery. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Land Rover Discovery weights approximately 205 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
Because 2002 Land Rover Discovery 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, 2002 Land Rover Discovery 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 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Land Rover Discovery. (340 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Land Rover Discovery. 2002 Land Rover Discovery has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 540 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Land Rover Discovery will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2002 Land Rover Discovery | |
| Make | BMW | Land Rover |
| Model | 540 | Discovery |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 3950 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 2020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2550 mm |
