1996 BMW 540 vs. 2007 BMW M
To start off, 2007 BMW M is newer by 11 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, 2007 BMW M (330 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW M should accelerate faster 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 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW M. (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2007 BMW M | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 540 | M |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
