1999 BMW 540 vs. 2009 Ferrari California
To start off, 2009 Ferrari California is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ferrari California (460 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1999 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ferrari California should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 540 weights approximately 36 kg more than 2009 Ferrari California.
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, 2009 Ferrari California (483 Nm) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 540. (439 Nm). This means 2009 Ferrari California will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 540 | 2009 Ferrari California | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 540 | California |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 460 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 439 Nm | 483 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1771 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4562 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1308 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2670 mm |
