1996 BMW 540 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML. (232 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML weights approximately 450 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML 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 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML. (347 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 540 | ML |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 347 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 8.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 2185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 83 L |
