1996 BMW 540 vs. 2008 Lincoln MKZ
To start off, 2008 Lincoln MKZ 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 19 more horse power than 2008 Lincoln MKZ. (263 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2008 Lincoln MKZ. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Lincoln MKZ weights approximately 620 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
Because 1996 BMW 540 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Lincoln MKZ, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lincoln MKZ. (338 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lincoln MKZ.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2008 Lincoln MKZ | |
| Make | BMW | Lincoln |
| Model | 540 | MKZ |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 2355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 66 L |
