2009 BMW 320 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 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, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 259 kg more than 2009 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 230 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 320 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 226 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
