1998 Aston Martin Vantage vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1998 Aston Martin Vantage is newer by 2 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 5,341 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Aston Martin Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Aston Martin Vantage (600 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 318 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Aston Martin Vantage should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Aston Martin Vantage weights approximately 155 kg more than 1996 BMW 540. 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, 1998 Aston Martin Vantage (814 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 374 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1998 Aston Martin Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Aston Martin Vantage | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | Vantage | 540 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5341 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 600 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 814 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 322 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1970 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 102 L | 70 L |
