1996 BMW 540 vs. 2012 Subaru Outback
To start off, 2012 Subaru Outback 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 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2012 Subaru Outback. (256 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2012 Subaru Outback. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 186 kg more than 2012 Subaru Outback. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Subaru Outback is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 540. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Outback 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 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Subaru Outback. (335 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Subaru Outback.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2012 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | BMW | Subaru |
| Model | 540 | Outback |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1659 kg |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.9 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
