2004 Audi S4 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2004 Audi S4 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Audi S4 (340 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Audi S4 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Audi S4 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1996 BMW 540. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi S4. (411 Nm). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Audi S4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi S4 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | S4 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4163 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 411 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1895 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 18.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
