1999 BMW 540 vs. 2011 BMW 530
To start off, 2011 BMW 530 is newer by 12 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, 1999 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2011 BMW 530. (256 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 530 weights approximately 19 kg more than 1999 BMW 540.
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, 2011 BMW 530 (540 Nm) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 540. (439 Nm). This means 2011 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 540. 2011 BMW 530 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. 2011 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 540 | 2011 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 540 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 439 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1771 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2968 mm |
