2004 BMW M6 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2004 BMW M6 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 4,998 cc (10 cylinders), 2004 BMW M6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW M6 (500 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 218 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW M6 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 60 kg more than 2004 BMW M6.
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 BMW M6 (520 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 BMW M6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW M6 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW M6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW M6 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M6 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4998 cc | 4396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 520 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.2 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 22.7 L/100km | 18.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.8 L/100km | 12.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
