2007 Audi A4 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2007 Audi A4 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 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 2007 Audi A4. (129 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2007 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 455 kg more than 2007 Audi A4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2007 Audi A4, 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 245 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Audi A4. (195 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Audi A4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Audi A4 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A4 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 4396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 207 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 12.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
