1996 BMW 540 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz Viano 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2007 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (187 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2007 Mercedes-Benz Viano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz Viano weights approximately 350 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 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (270 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mercedes-Benz Viano.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz Viano | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 540 | Viano |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 176 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 2085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
