1996 BMW 540 vs. 2010 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2010 Mercury Mountaineer 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 72 more horse power than 2010 Mercury Mountaineer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2010 Mercury Mountaineer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 238 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
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 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mercury Mountaineer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mercury Mountaineer. 2010 Mercury Mountaineer 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. 2010 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2010 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 540 | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 2053 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4915 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1826 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2888 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 85 L |
