1996 BMW 540 vs. 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 8 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 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette (339 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 295 kg more than 2004 Chevrolet Corvette.
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, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette (483 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540. 2004 Chevrolet Corvette 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. 2004 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2004 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 540 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 5665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 339 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 483 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 99.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 14 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 117 L |
