1958 Austin-Healey Sports Convertible vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin-Healey Sports Convertible. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin-Healey Sports Convertible 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 177 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sports Convertible. (105 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sports Convertible. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 285 kg more than 1958 Austin-Healey Sports Convertible. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sports Convertible. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin-Healey Sports Convertible.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin-Healey Sports Convertible | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | BMW |
| Model | Sports Convertible | 540 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Size | 2991 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2840 mm |
