1996 BMW 540 vs. 2011 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen T5 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 153 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen T5. (129 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 598 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen T5. 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 T5, 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 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen T5. (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen T5. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen T5 has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen T5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2011 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 540 | T5 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 168 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 15.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3410 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.8 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
