1996 BMW 540 vs. 2009 Cadillac BLS
To start off, 2009 Cadillac BLS is newer by 13 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 30 more horse power than 2009 Cadillac BLS. (252 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2009 Cadillac BLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2009 Cadillac BLS. 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, 2009 Cadillac BLS, 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 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Cadillac BLS. (365 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Cadillac BLS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2009 Cadillac BLS | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 540 | BLS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 74.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 58 L |
