2008 BMW 525 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 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, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 2008 BMW 525. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 525. (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 525. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 525 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.1 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.1 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
