1996 BMW 540 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 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 100 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
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 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 540 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 540 | 520 |
Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1997 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 270 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 90.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 84 mm |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1790 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4907 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1462 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2968 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |