2009 Audi A4 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2009 Audi A4 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, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 2009 Audi A4. (128 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2009 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 475 kg more than 2009 Audi A4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 540 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi A4, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 245 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Audi A4. (195 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Audi A4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A4 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A4 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.9 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.3 L/100km | 18.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 12.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
