1996 BMW 540 vs. 2006 BMW 325
To start off, 2006 BMW 325 is newer by 10 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 @ 5400 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2006 BMW 325. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 325 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 325. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2006 BMW 325 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 540 | 325 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 7.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
