1996 BMW 540 vs. 2004 Chrysler 300
To start off, 2004 Chrysler 300 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2004 Chrysler 300. (250 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2004 Chrysler 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 70 kg more than 2004 Chrysler 300. 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Chrysler 300. (332 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Chrysler 300. 2004 Chrysler 300 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 Chrysler 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2004 Chrysler 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Chrysler |
| Model | 540 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 3518 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3050 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
