2006 Audi S4 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2006 Audi S4 is newer by 10 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, 2006 Audi S4 (340 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Audi S4 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 537 kg more than 2006 Audi S4.
Because 1996 BMW 540 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Audi S4, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Audi S4. (410 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Audi S4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi S4 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | S4 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4163 cc | 4397 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 | 6800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1278 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 18.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 12.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
