1996 BMW 540 vs. 2008 Ford F-450
To start off, 2008 Ford F-450 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 6,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford F-450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford F-450 (350 HP @ 3000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford F-450 should accelerate faster 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, 2008 Ford F-450 (881 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 441 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Ford F-450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2008 Ford F-450 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 540 | F-450 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 6400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 881 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 6670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 4390 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 144 L |
