1996 BMW 540 vs. 2009 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2009 Dodge Dakota 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Dakota. (211 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Dakota. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 44 kg more than 2009 Dodge Dakota. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Dodge Dakota 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, 2009 Dodge Dakota 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 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Dakota. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2009 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | 540 | Dakota |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1691 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 83 L |
