1999 BMW 540 vs. 1996 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight
To start off, 1999 BMW 540 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1996 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. (202 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1996 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 540 weights approximately 231 kg more than 1996 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 BMW 540 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1999 BMW 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1999 BMW 540 (439 Nm) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. (352 Nm). This means 1999 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. 1996 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight has automatic transmission and 1999 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 1999 BMW 540 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 540 | 1996 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 540 | Eighty-Eight |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 439 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1771 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2820 mm |
