1992 BMW 540 vs. 1971 Datsun 240Z
To start off, 1992 BMW 540 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Datsun 240Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Datsun 240Z 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 131 more horse power than 1971 Datsun 240Z. (151 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1971 Datsun 240Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 582 kg more than 1971 Datsun 240Z. 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 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Datsun 240Z. (198 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Datsun 240Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 1971 Datsun 240Z | |
| Make | BMW | Datsun |
| Model | 540 | 240Z |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2300 mm |
