1996 BMW 540 vs. 2005 Volvo XC70
To start off, 2005 Volvo XC70 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 121 more horse power than 2005 Volvo XC70. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volvo XC70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 160 kg more than 2005 Volvo XC70. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Volvo XC70 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 Volvo XC70 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 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volvo XC70. (330 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volvo XC70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2005 Volvo XC70 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 540 | XC70 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 2519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 11.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
