2009 Audi S6 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2009 Audi S6 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 S6 (335 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi S6 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi S6 weights approximately 80 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 S6 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 S6 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 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Audi S6. (420 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Audi S6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi S6 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | S6 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4172 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.8 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 | 1815 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.9 L/100km | 18.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.8 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 70 L |
