1996 BMW 540 vs. 2007 Kia Rio

To start off, 2007 Kia Rio 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 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 2007 Kia Rio. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2007 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 781 kg more than 2007 Kia Rio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1996 BMW 540 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Kia Rio, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 295 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Kia Rio. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Kia Rio. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2007 Kia Rio has manual transmission. 2007 Kia Rio will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1996 BMW 540 2007 Kia Rio
Make BMW Kia
Model 540 Rio
Year Released 1996 2007
Body Type Station Wagon Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4396 cc 1599 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 282 HP 110 HP
Engine RPM 5400 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 440 Nm 145 Nm
Torque RPM 3600 RPM 4500 RPM
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1845 kg 1064 kg
Vehicle Length 4810 mm 4020 mm
Vehicle Width 1810 mm 1700 mm
Vehicle Height 1450 mm 1480 mm
Wheelbase Size 2840 mm 2510 mm
Fuel Consumption Highway 9.2 L/100km 6.9 L/100km
Fuel Consumption City 18.9 L/100km 7.5 L/100km
Fuel Consumption Overall 12.8 L/100km 7.3 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 45 L