2007 Acura RL vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2007 Acura RL is newer by 11 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, 2007 Acura RL (290 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 157 kg more than 2007 Acura RL.
Because 2007 Acura RL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 540. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Acura RL will offer significantly more control. 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 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Acura RL. (347 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Acura RL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Acura RL | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | RL | 540 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 18.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 70 L |
