1996 BMW 540 vs. 2005 Volvo V50
To start off, 2005 Volvo V50 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 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 2005 Volvo V50. (138 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volvo V50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 420 kg more than 2005 Volvo V50. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Volvo V50, 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 @ 3600 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volvo V50. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volvo V50.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2005 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 540 | V50 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 10 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.8 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
