1996 BMW 540 vs. 2012 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2012 Toyota RAV4 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 103 more horse power than 2012 Toyota RAV4. (179 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota RAV4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 321 kg more than 2012 Toyota RAV4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Toyota RAV4, 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 207 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota RAV4. (233 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota RAV4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2012 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 540 | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2659 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.2 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.9 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
