1996 BMW 540 vs. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette 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 6,198 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 584 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Corvette.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (575 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2009 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2009 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 540 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 6198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 575 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 103.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1261 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.2 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.9 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
