1996 BMW 540 vs. 2003 Maserati Quattroporte
To start off, 2003 Maserati Quattroporte 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Maserati Quattroporte (395 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Maserati Quattroporte should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Maserati Quattroporte weights approximately 51 kg more than 1996 BMW 540. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Maserati Quattroporte (460 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Maserati Quattroporte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540. 2003 Maserati Quattroporte 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 Maserati Quattroporte will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2003 Maserati Quattroporte | |
| Make | BMW | Maserati |
| Model | 540 | Quattroporte |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 4244 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 395 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 79.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1866 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3070 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
