1996 BMW 540 vs. 2012 GMC Sierra
To start off, 2012 GMC Sierra 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 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 GMC Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 GMC Sierra (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 GMC Sierra should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 GMC Sierra weights approximately 466 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 GMC Sierra. (413 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 GMC Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2012 GMC Sierra | |
| Make | BMW | GMC |
| Model | 540 | Sierra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 4800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 413 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 4-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 2311 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5847 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2032 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1875 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3645 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.2 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.9 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 98 L |
