1992 BMW 540 vs. 1972 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1992 BMW 540 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP) has 229 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 755 kg more than 1972 Volkswagen 1600. 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 @ 4500 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 1972 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 540 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1721 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 40 L |
