1996 BMW 540 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat 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 35 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (247 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 155 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat 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 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (320 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. 2006 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 540 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 540 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 3167 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
