1996 BMW 540 vs. 2002 Volvo V70
To start off, 2002 Volvo V70 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 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volvo V70 (295 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volvo V70 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 446 kg more than 2002 Volvo V70.
Because 2002 Volvo V70 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 Volvo V70 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volvo V70. (400 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volvo V70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2002 Volvo V70 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 540 | V70 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 2524 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1399 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
