1996 BMW 540 vs. 2009 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2009 Ford Fiesta 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 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 2009 Ford Fiesta. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 823 kg more than 2009 Ford Fiesta. 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 Ford Fiesta, 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 236 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Fiesta. (204 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Fiesta. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Fiesta 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 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 540 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 12.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1022 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.8 L/100km | 4.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
