1996 BMW 540 vs. 2011 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2011 Ford Falcon 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 Ford Falcon (362 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 31 kg more than 2011 Ford Falcon.
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 Falcon (533 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Falcon 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 Falcon | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 540 | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 533 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 92.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1704 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4967 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1868 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1433 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2838 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
