1979 BMW 735 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 BMW 735. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 BMW 735 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 64 more horse power than 1979 BMW 735. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1979 BMW 735. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 285 kg more than 1979 BMW 735. 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 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 BMW 735. (309 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 BMW 735.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 BMW 735 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 735 | 540 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3451 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 309 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 70 L |
