1996 BMW 540 vs. 2010 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Touareg 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 57 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen Touareg. (225 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen Touareg. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 671 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
Because 2010 Volkswagen Touareg 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 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2010 Volkswagen Touareg (550 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2010 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 540 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 2406 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2855 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 100 L |
