1996 BMW 540 vs. 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer 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) has 72 more horse power than 2005 Mercury Mountaineer. (210 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercury Mountaineer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 196 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
Because 2005 Mercury Mountaineer 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 Mercury Mountaineer 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) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercury Mountaineer. (344 Nm). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercury Mountaineer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2005 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 540 | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 4014 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 210 HP |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 2011 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 85 L |
