1996 BMW 540 vs. 2008 Ferrari F430
To start off, 2008 Ferrari F430 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 Ferrari F430 (490 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 50 kg more than 2008 Ferrari F430.
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 Ferrari F430 (466 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540. 2008 Ferrari F430 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 Ferrari F430 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2008 Ferrari F430 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 540 | F430 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 4308 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 490 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 466 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 315 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 370 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 22 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 95 L |
