2005 BMW 325 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2005 BMW 325 is newer by 9 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, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2005 BMW 325. (181 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 285 kg more than 2005 BMW 325. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 325. (237 Nm). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 325 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 325 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.9 L/100km | 18.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.4 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
