2008 Audi RS6 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2008 Audi RS6 is newer by 12 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, 2008 Audi RS6 (444 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi RS6 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Audi RS6 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1996 BMW 540. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Audi RS6 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, 2008 Audi RS6 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, 2008 Audi RS6 (560 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Audi RS6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi RS6 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | RS6 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4172 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.8 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 70 L |
