1996 BMW 540 vs. 2006 Ford Ranger
To start off, 2006 Ford Ranger 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 174 more horse power than 2006 Ford Ranger. (108 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2006 Ford Ranger. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Ranger. (257 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2006 Ford Ranger | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 540 | Ranger |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2990 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
