1996 BMW 540 vs. 2012 Honda Odyssey
To start off, 2012 Honda Odyssey 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 34 more horse power than 2012 Honda Odyssey. (248 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Odyssey. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Odyssey weights approximately 245 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 Honda Odyssey, 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 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Odyssey. (339 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Odyssey. 2012 Honda Odyssey has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 540 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Honda Odyssey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2012 Honda Odyssey | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 540 | Odyssey |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 2060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2012 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1737 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 79 L |
