1996 BMW 540 vs. 2011 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2011 Ford Mustang 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Mustang (412 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 128 kg more than 2011 Ford Mustang.
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 Mustang (528 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 540 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 412 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 528 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1687 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4778 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
