1996 BMW 540 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Polo 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 213 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Polo. (69 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 748 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 540 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Polo, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 328 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Polo. (112 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2011 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 540 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 14.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
