1992 BMW 540 vs. 1979 Plymouth Horizon
To start off, 1992 BMW 540 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Plymouth Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Plymouth Horizon 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 220 more horse power than 1979 Plymouth Horizon. (62 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1979 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 648 kg more than 1979 Plymouth Horizon. 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, 1979 Plymouth Horizon, 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 @ 5100 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Plymouth Horizon. (115 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Plymouth Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 1979 Plymouth Horizon | |
| Make | BMW | Plymouth |
| Model | 540 | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2530 mm |
