1996 BMW 540 vs. 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe
To start off, 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe 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 6,700 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe (453 HP @ 5350 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe weights approximately 935 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.
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 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe (719 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe | |
| Make | BMW | Rolls-Royce |
| Model | 540 | Phantom Drophead Coupe |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 6700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 453 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5350 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 2670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5608 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1986 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3320 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 21.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
