2009 Audi R8 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2009 Audi R8 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 Audi R8 (414 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi R8 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 250 kg more than 2009 Audi R8.
Because 2009 Audi R8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 540. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi R8 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 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Audi R8. (430 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Audi R8. 2009 Audi R8 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 R8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi R8 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | R8 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4163 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 430 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 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 | 301 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.6 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 12.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
