1996 BMW 540 vs. 2012 BMW 750
To start off, 2012 BMW 750 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 750 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 750 (455 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 750 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 750 weights approximately 360 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 750 (697 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 750 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540. 2012 BMW 750 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 540 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 750 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2012 BMW 750 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 540 | 750 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 455 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 697 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 2175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5075 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3071 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 82 L |
