1996 BMW 540 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton. (237 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 388 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
Because 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 540. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 540 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 2233 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5059 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2881 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.2 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.9 L/100km | 11.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.8 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
