1992 BMW 538 vs. 1981 BMW 745
To start off, 1992 BMW 538 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 745. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 745 would be higher. At 3,795 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 BMW 538 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 538 (341 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1981 BMW 745. (252 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 538 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 745. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 538 weights approximately 234 kg more than 1981 BMW 745. 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, 1992 BMW 538 (400 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 745. (380 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 538 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 745.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 538 | 1981 BMW 745 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 538 | 745 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3795 cc | 3430 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 341 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
