1996 BMW 540 vs. 2010 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2010 Nissan Maxima 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, 2010 Nissan Maxima (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 209 kg more than 2010 Nissan Maxima.
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, 2010 Nissan Maxima, 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 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Nissan Maxima. (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Nissan Maxima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2010 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 540 | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
