1996 BMW 545 vs. 2003 BMW 530
To start off, 2003 BMW 530 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 545. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 545 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 545 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2003 BMW 530. (227 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 545 weights approximately 78 kg more than 2003 BMW 530. 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 545 (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 530. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 530.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 545 | 2003 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 545 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
