1996 BMW 540 vs. 2013 BMW 1 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 1 Series is newer by 17 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2013 BMW 1 Series. (227 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2013 BMW 1 Series. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 230 kg more than 2013 BMW 1 Series. 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 169 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 BMW 1 Series. (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 BMW 1 Series.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2013 BMW 1 Series | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 540 | 1 Series |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.7 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 6.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4373 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1919 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
