1996 BMW 540 vs. 2012 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2012 Porsche Cayman 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 17 more horse power than 2012 Porsche Cayman. (265 HP @ 7200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2012 Porsche Cayman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 405 kg more than 2012 Porsche Cayman. 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Porsche Cayman. (299 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Porsche Cayman. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2012 Porsche Cayman has manual transmission. 2012 Porsche Cayman 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 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 540 | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 299 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1303 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2416 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
