1996 BMW 540 vs. 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
To start off, 2004 Oldsmobile Alero 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP) has 142 more horse power than 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. (140 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 376 kg more than 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 540 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Oldsmobile Alero, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. (203 Nm). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Oldsmobile Alero.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2004 Oldsmobile Alero | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 540 | Alero |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 140 HP |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1359 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.8 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
