1996 BMW 540 vs. 2008 Chrysler 300
To start off, 2008 Chrysler 300 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2008 Chrysler 300. (190 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2008 Chrysler 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chrysler 300 weights approximately 83 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 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chrysler 300. (257 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chrysler 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2008 Chrysler 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Chrysler |
| Model | 540 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 11.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1818 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3060 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
