1996 BMW 540 vs. 2008 BMW 730
To start off, 2008 BMW 730 is newer by 12 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 28 more horse power than 2008 BMW 730. (254 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 730 weights approximately 90 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 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 730. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2008 BMW 730 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 540 | 730 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 244 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 8.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.8 L/100km | 10.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
