2009 Audi Q7 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2009 Audi Q7 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi Q7 (345 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi Q7 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi Q7 weights approximately 509 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 Q7 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 Q7 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, both vehicles can yield 440 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi Q7 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | Q7 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4163 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 440 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 | 244 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.4 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2244 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.6 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 70 L |
