2005 BMW 730 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2005 BMW 730 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2005 BMW 730. (225 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2005 BMW 730. 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 @ 3600 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 730. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 730. 2005 BMW 730 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 540 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 730 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 730 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2982 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
