1999 BMW 540 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg 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 57 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Touareg. (225 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Touareg. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 485 kg more than 1999 BMW 540.
Because 2011 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 BMW 540. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Touareg (550 Nm) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 540. (439 Nm). This means 2011 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 540. 2011 Volkswagen Touareg 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 Volkswagen Touareg will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 540 | 2011 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 540 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 439 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1771 kg | 2256 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4796 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1941 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1732 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2893 mm |
