1996 BMW 540 vs. 2008 BMW M6
To start off, 2008 BMW M6 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 4,999 cc (10 cylinders), 2008 BMW M6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M6 (500 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 218 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M6 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M6 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1996 BMW 540. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 BMW M6 (520 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2008 BMW M6 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 540 | M6 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 4999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 520 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 2005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 15.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
