1996 BMW 540 vs. 2008 Honda Element
To start off, 2008 Honda Element 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 116 more horse power than 2008 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Element.
Because 2008 Honda Element 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 Honda Element 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2008 Honda Element | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 540 | Element |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
