1996 BMW 540 vs. 2010 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2010 Nissan Xterra 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2010 Nissan Xterra. (261 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2010 Nissan Xterra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 278 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
Because 2010 Nissan Xterra 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, 2010 Nissan Xterra 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 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Nissan Xterra. (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Nissan Xterra. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2010 Nissan Xterra has manual transmission. 2010 Nissan Xterra 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 | 2010 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 540 | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 2013 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
