1996 BMW 540 vs. 2008 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2008 Dodge Dakota 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 4,701 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Dakota (303 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 44 kg more than 2008 Dodge Dakota.
Because 2008 Dodge Dakota 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 Dodge Dakota 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 Dodge Dakota (446 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2008 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | 540 | Dakota |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 446 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1691 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.8 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 83 L |
