1971 Alfa Romeo GTA vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Alfa Romeo GTA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Alfa Romeo GTA 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 189 more horse power than 1971 Alfa Romeo GTA. (93 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1971 Alfa Romeo GTA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 1025 kg more than 1971 Alfa Romeo GTA. 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 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alfa Romeo GTA. (140 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Alfa Romeo GTA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alfa Romeo GTA | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | GTA | 540 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 70 L |
