1996 BMW 540 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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 168 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 451 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 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 Volkswagen Golf, 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 270 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 540 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 11.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
