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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 GMC Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 GMC Sierra (403 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 121 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 617 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 GMC Sierra (565 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 GMC Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2012 GMC Sierra | |
| Make | BMW | GMC |
| Model | 540 | Sierra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 403 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 565 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 2352 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5839 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2032 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1875 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3645 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 98 L |
