2009 Audi A8 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2009 Audi A8 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 5,204 cc (10 cylinders), 2009 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A8 (444 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi A8 weights approximately 125 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 2009 Audi A8 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 Audi A8 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, 2009 Audi A8 (540 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540. 2009 Audi A8 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 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A8 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A8 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5204 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 540 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.1 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1940 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.2 L/100km | 18.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 15.8 L/100km | 12.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
