1996 BMW 540 vs. 2012 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2012 Land Rover Defender 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 162 more horse power than 2012 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2012 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 893 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
Because 2012 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 540. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Land Rover Defender will offer significantly more control. 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 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Land Rover Defender. (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Land Rover Defender.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2012 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | BMW | Land Rover |
| Model | 540 | Defender |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2402 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 2708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 24.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
