2009 BMW 520 vs. 1992 BMW 540
To start off, 2009 BMW 520 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 540 would be higher. At 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 2009 BMW 520. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 136 kg more than 2009 BMW 520. 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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 520. (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 520. 1992 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1992 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 520 | 1992 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1721 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
