2004 Aston Martin DB9 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2004 Aston Martin DB9 is newer by 8 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 5,930 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Aston Martin DB9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Aston Martin DB9 (450 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Aston Martin DB9 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2004 Aston Martin DB9.
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, 2004 Aston Martin DB9 (570 Nm) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm). This means 2004 Aston Martin DB9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Aston Martin DB9 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | BMW |
| Model | DB9 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5930 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 450 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 70 L |
