1996 BMW 545 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano is newer by 15 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 61 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (221 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano.
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, both vehicles can yield 440 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 545 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 545 | Viano |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 75 L |
