1996 BMW 540 vs. 2012 BMW 318
To start off, 2012 BMW 318 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 139 more horse power than 2012 BMW 318. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 240 kg more than 2012 BMW 318. 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 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 318. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 318. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 318 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 | 2012 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 540 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| 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 | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 57 L |
