1998 BMW 318 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 525 kg more than 1998 BMW 318. 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 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 540 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.9 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
