1996 BMW 540 vs. 2011 Ford Edge
To start off, 2011 Ford Edge 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Edge (285 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Edge should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Edge weights approximately 37 kg more than 1996 BMW 540. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 540 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Ford Edge, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Ford Edge. (343 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Ford Edge. 2011 Ford Edge 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 Ford Edge will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2011 Ford Edge | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 540 | Edge |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 343 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4679 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1702 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2824 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
