1996 BMW 540 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Touareg 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Touareg. (276 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Touareg. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 402 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
Because 2013 Volkswagen Touareg 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 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Touareg. (361 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Touareg.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2013 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 540 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0: 1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 2137 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4795 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1732 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2893 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.8 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 100 L |
