1996 BMW 540 vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 14 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 128 more horse power than 2010 BMW 120. (154 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 290 kg more than 2010 BMW 120. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 540 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
