1996 BMW 540 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Traverse 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 1 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. (281 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Traverse weights approximately 378 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
Because 1996 BMW 540 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. (360 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Traverse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2012 Chevrolet Traverse | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 540 | Traverse |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 281 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 2113 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5207 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1991 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1849 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3020 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 83 L |
