1996 BMW 540 vs. 2012 BMW 640
To start off, 2012 BMW 640 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, 2012 BMW 640 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 640 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 640 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1996 BMW 540. 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, 2012 BMW 640 (630 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 640 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 540 | 2012 BMW 640 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 540 | 640 |
Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2993 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 311 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 630 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 84 mm |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 5.6 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1935 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4894 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1894 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1365 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2855 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.8 L/100km | 4.8 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |