1959 Berkeley Twosome vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley Twosome. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley Twosome 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 264 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley Twosome. (18 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley Twosome. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 1510 kg more than 1959 Berkeley Twosome. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 540 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley Twosome, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 403 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley Twosome. (37 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley Twosome.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley Twosome | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Berkeley | BMW |
| Model | Twosome | 540 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 328 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 37 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 305 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1790 mm | 2830 mm |
