2009 Acura RL vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2009 Acura RL is newer by 13 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, 2009 Acura RL (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 240 kg more than 2009 Acura RL.
Because 2009 Acura RL 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, 2009 Acura RL 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Acura RL. (367 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Acura RL. 2009 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 540 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Acura RL | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | RL | 540 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3664 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 367 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 18.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 12.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 70 L |
