1996 BMW 540 vs. 2010 Porsche 911
To start off, 2010 Porsche 911 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 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Porsche 911 (345 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 315 kg more than 2010 Porsche 911.
Because 2010 Porsche 911 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 540. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Porsche 911 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 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Porsche 911. (390 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Porsche 911. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2010 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 2010 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 540 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 345 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4465 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1311 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.9 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
