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 5,204 cc (10 cylinders), 2009 Audi R8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi R8 (518 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 236 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 235 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, 2009 Audi R8 (530 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Audi R8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540.
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 | 5204 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 311 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 3.9 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.6 L/100km | 18.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 15.7 L/100km | 12.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
