1996 BMW 540 vs. 2011 Mazda BT-50
To start off, 2011 Mazda BT-50 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, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 2011 Mazda BT-50. (141 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda BT-50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda BT-50 weights approximately 51 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
Because 2011 Mazda BT-50 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 Mazda BT-50 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 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda BT-50. (330 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda BT-50.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2011 Mazda BT-50 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 540 | BT-50 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 158 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 12.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1866 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
