2009 BMW M3 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 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 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540.
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 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (295 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 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 M3 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 4398 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 | 8300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.9 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17 L/100km | 18.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.9 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
