1996 BMW 540 vs. 2012 BMW 123
To start off, 2012 BMW 123 is newer by 16 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2012 BMW 123. (202 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 123. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 120 kg more than 2012 BMW 123. 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 123. (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 123.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 540 | 2012 BMW 123 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 540 | 123 |
Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 202 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 400 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1615 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4360 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1748 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1411 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2660 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.8 L/100km | 4.8 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |