1996 BMW 540 vs. 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
To start off, 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee weights approximately 465 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 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. (352 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee | |
| Make | BMW | Jeep |
| Model | 540 | Grand Cherokee |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 2200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4821 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1943 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2916 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 93 L |
