1996 BMW 540 vs. 2005 Ford Freestar
To start off, 2005 Ford Freestar is newer by 9 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 89 more horse power than 2005 Ford Freestar. (193 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Freestar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Freestar weights approximately 124 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
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, 2005 Ford Freestar, 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 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Freestar. (320 Nm). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Freestar. 2005 Ford Freestar 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. 2005 Ford Freestar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2005 Ford Freestar | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 540 | Freestar |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 3802 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 193 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3070 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 98 L |
