1996 BMW 540 vs. 2003 BMW 545
To start off, 2003 BMW 545 is newer by 7 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), 2003 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 545 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 110 kg more than 2003 BMW 545.
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, 2003 BMW 545 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2003 BMW 545 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 540 | 545 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 6.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 16.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
