1996 BMW 540 vs. 2012 Opel Insignia
To start off, 2012 Opel Insignia 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2012 Opel Insignia. (217 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2012 Opel Insignia.
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 Opel Insignia, 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 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Opel Insignia. (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Opel Insignia. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2012 Opel Insignia has manual transmission. 2012 Opel Insignia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2012 Opel Insignia | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 540 | Insignia |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1856 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1498 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2737 mm |
