1992 BMW 540 vs. 1978 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 1992 BMW 540 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Cherry 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 @ 5800 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Cherry. (70 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 841 kg more than 1978 Nissan Cherry. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1992 BMW 540 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1992 BMW 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Nissan Cherry, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 298 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Cherry. (102 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Cherry. 1992 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1978 Nissan Cherry has manual transmission. 1978 Nissan Cherry will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1992 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 1978 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 540 | Cherry |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1721 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2400 mm |
