2008 BMW M3 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 160 kg more than 2008 BMW M3.
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 M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 12.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
