1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. 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 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. (189 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Armstrong Siddeley | BMW |
| Model | Sapphire | 540 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2290 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
