1996 BMW 540 vs. 2005 Porsche 911
To start off, 2005 Porsche 911 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, 2005 Porsche 911 (414 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 195 kg more than 2005 Porsche 911.
Because 2005 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 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, 2005 Porsche 911 (560 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2005 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2005 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 540 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 76.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 305 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 4.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 12.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
