1996 BMW 540 vs. 2009 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2009 Mazda CX-7 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 38 more horse power than 2009 Mazda CX-7. (244 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda CX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 635 kg more than 2009 Mazda CX-7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mazda CX-7 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 Mazda CX-7 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 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda CX-7. (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda CX-7. 2009 Mazda CX-7 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. 2009 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2009 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 540 | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2258 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 69 L |
