1992 BMW 540 vs. 1959 BMW 700
To start off, 1992 BMW 540 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 700 would be higher. At 3,980 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 243 more horse power than 1959 BMW 700. (39 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 1020 kg more than 1959 BMW 700. 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 540 (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 700. (50 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 1959 BMW 700 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 540 | 700 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 695 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 50 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 31 L |
