2007 BMW 320 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2007 BMW 320 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 2007 BMW 320. (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 325 kg more than 2007 BMW 320. 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 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 320. (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 320 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Top Speed | 221 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 12.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
