1996 BMW 540 vs. 2008 Seat Ibiza
To start off, 2008 Seat Ibiza 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 181 more horse power than 2008 Seat Ibiza. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2008 Seat Ibiza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 746 kg more than 2008 Seat Ibiza. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Seat Ibiza, 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 300 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Seat Ibiza. (140 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Seat Ibiza.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2008 Seat Ibiza | |
| Make | BMW | Seat |
| Model | 540 | Ibiza |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1069 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
