1996 BMW 540 vs. 2003 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 239 kg more than 2003 Ford Mustang.
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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Mustang. (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Mustang. 2003 Ford Mustang 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. 2003 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2003 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 540 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1576 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
