1996 BMW 540 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (507 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 620 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz E.
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 Mercedes-Benz E (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 540 | E |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 507 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 102.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 4.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 19.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 14.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
