1996 BMW 540 vs. 2011 Volvo S60
To start off, 2011 Volvo S60 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, 2011 Volvo S60 (300 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volvo S60 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 76 kg more than 2011 Volvo S60.
Because 2011 Volvo S60 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 Volvo S60 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, both vehicles can yield 440 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2011 Volvo S60 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | 540 | S60 |
| 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 | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1769 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4623 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1864 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.2 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.9 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
