1996 BMW 545 vs. 2008 BMW 650
To start off, 2008 BMW 650 is newer by 12 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 650 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 650 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1996 BMW 545. (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 545. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 545 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2008 BMW 650.
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, 2008 BMW 650 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 545. (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 650 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 545. 2008 BMW 650 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 545 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 545 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 650 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 545 | 2008 BMW 650 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 545 | 650 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 92.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1380 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
