1996 BMW 540 vs. 2008 Cadillac STS
To start off, 2008 Cadillac STS 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Cadillac STS (469 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 255 kg more than 2008 Cadillac STS.
Because 2008 Cadillac STS is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 540. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac STS will offer significantly more control. 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 Cadillac STS (595 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Cadillac STS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540. 2008 Cadillac STS has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 540 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Cadillac STS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2008 Cadillac STS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 540 | STS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 4376 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 595 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
