2001 Audi A6 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2001 Audi A6 is newer by 5 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 66 more horse power than 2001 Audi A6. (216 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2001 Audi A6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 225 kg more than 2001 Audi A6. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Audi A6 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 540. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Audi A6 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Audi A6. (300 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Audi A6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Audi A6 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A6 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2976 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.6 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.8 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.2 L/100km | 18.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.5 L/100km | 12.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
