1996 BMW 540 vs. 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
To start off, 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan 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 Dodge Grand Caravan (283 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 311 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.
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 Grand Caravan, 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 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 540 | 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan | |
Make | BMW | Dodge |
Model | 540 | Grand Caravan |
Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
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 | 283 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 352 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 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 | 2046 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5151 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1999 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1725 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3078 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 8.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |