1996 BMW 540 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 441 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton. (431 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 540 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 93 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1374 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
