1996 BMW 540 vs. 2011 Dodge Ram
To start off, 2011 Dodge Ram 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 5,654 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Dodge Ram (390 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 124 kg more than 2011 Dodge Ram.
Because 2011 Dodge Ram 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, 2011 Dodge Ram 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, 2011 Dodge Ram (552 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540. 2011 Dodge Ram has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 540 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Dodge Ram will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2011 Dodge Ram | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | 540 | Ram |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 5654 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 390 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 552 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1691 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3560 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 98 L |
