1996 BMW 540 vs. 2012 Dodge Caliber
To start off, 2012 Dodge Caliber 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 2012 Dodge Caliber. (158 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2012 Dodge Caliber. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 449 kg more than 2012 Dodge Caliber. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Dodge Caliber, 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 249 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Dodge Caliber. (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Dodge Caliber.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2012 Dodge Caliber | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | 540 | Caliber |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1366 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4415 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1534 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2634 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
