1996 BMW 540 vs. 2008 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2008 Nissan Xterra 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, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2008 Nissan Xterra. (261 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2008 Nissan Xterra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 590 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
Because 2008 Nissan Xterra 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 Nissan Xterra 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 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan Xterra. (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan Xterra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2008 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 540 | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 2405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
