1996 BMW 540 vs. 2006 Dodge Caravan
To start off, 2006 Dodge Caravan 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 102 more horse power than 2006 Dodge Caravan. (180 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2006 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 27 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 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Dodge Caravan. (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2006 Dodge Caravan | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | 540 | Caravan |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 3310 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1842 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
