1996 BMW 540 vs. 2011 Ford E-350
To start off, 2011 Ford E-350 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 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ford E-350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2011 Ford E-350. (255 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2011 Ford E-350. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford E-350 weights approximately 985 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
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, 2011 Ford E-350 (474 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Ford E-350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2011 Ford E-350 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 540 | E-350 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 474 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5504 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2017 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 2111 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3505 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.2 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.9 L/100km | 21.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 125 L |
