1996 BMW 540 vs. 2011 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2011 Dodge Dakota 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 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2011 Dodge Dakota. (207 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2011 Dodge Dakota.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 204 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Dodge Dakota. (236 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Dodge Dakota. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2011 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 2011 Dodge Dakota 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 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | 540 | Dakota |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 3701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 100 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.2 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.9 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 83 L |
