1996 BMW 540 vs. 2004 Kia Retona
To start off, 2004 Kia Retona 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 192 more horse power than 2004 Kia Retona. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2004 Kia Retona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Kia Retona weights approximately 55 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
Because 2004 Kia Retona is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 540. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Kia Retona will offer significantly more control. 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 235 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Kia Retona. (205 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Kia Retona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2004 Kia Retona | |
| Make | BMW | Kia |
| Model | 540 | Retona |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2370 mm |
