1996 BMW 540 vs. 2013 Porsche Panamera
To start off, 2013 Porsche Panamera 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 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Porsche Panamera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Porsche Panamera (493 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Porsche Panamera should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Porsche Panamera weights approximately 235 kg more than 1996 BMW 540. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Porsche Panamera 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, 2013 Porsche Panamera 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, 2013 Porsche Panamera (700 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2013 Porsche Panamera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2013 Porsche Panamera | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 540 | Panamera |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | single |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 83 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 303 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 3.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Single Speed |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2114 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1418 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.8 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 14.1 L/100km |
