1976 BMW 630 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 BMW 630. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 BMW 630 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 100 more horse power than 1976 BMW 630. (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1976 BMW 630. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 284 kg more than 1976 BMW 630. 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 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 BMW 630. (255 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 BMW 630. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1976 BMW 630 has manual transmission. 1976 BMW 630 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:
| 1976 BMW 630 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 630 | 540 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1451 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2840 mm |
