1996 BMW 540 vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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 82 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 342 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. 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 Volkswagen GTI, 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 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 540 | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
Model | 540 | GTI |
Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1393 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4213 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1786 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1501 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2578 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.8 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |