1996 BMW 540 vs. 2012 Nissan Quest
To start off, 2012 Nissan Quest 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 22 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Quest. (260 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Quest. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Quest weights approximately 248 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 Nissan Quest, 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 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Quest. (325 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Quest.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2012 Nissan Quest | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 540 | Quest |
| 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 | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 2063 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1971 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1854 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
