1996 BMW 540 vs. 2011 Audi R8
To start off, 2011 Audi R8 is newer by 15 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, 2011 Audi R8 (420 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Audi R8 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540.
Because 2011 Audi R8 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, 2011 Audi R8 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 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Audi R8. (430 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Audi R8. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2011 Audi R8 has manual transmission. 2011 Audi R8 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 | 2011 Audi R8 | |
| Make | BMW | Audi |
| Model | 540 | R8 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4435 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 21.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
