2004 Audi A4 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2004 Audi A4 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 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 121 more horse power than 2004 Audi A4. (161 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 285 kg more than 2004 Audi A4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Audi A4 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, 2004 Audi A4 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 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi A4. (230 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Audi A4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A4 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A4 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.1 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.8 L/100km | 18.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 12.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
