1996 BMW 540 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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 85 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 419 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Volkswagen Jetta 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 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 540 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 540 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 233 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1396 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
