2004 BMW M3 vs. 1992 BMW 540
To start off, 2004 BMW M3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 540 would be higher. At 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1992 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 172 kg more than 2004 BMW M3.
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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW M3. (350 Nm). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW M3 | 1992 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1721 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 17.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
