1996 BMW 540 vs. 2013 Scion tC
To start off, 2013 Scion tC 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 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 2013 Scion tC. (178 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2013 Scion tC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 443 kg more than 2013 Scion tC. 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 205 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Scion tC. (235 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Scion tC. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2013 Scion tC has manual transmission. 2013 Scion tC will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2013 Scion tC | |
| Make | BMW | Scion |
| Model | 540 | tC |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 16 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 98 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1402 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.2 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.9 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
