1992 BMW 540 vs. 1981 Ferrari 400
To start off, 1992 BMW 540 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 400 (310 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1992 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 109 kg more than 1992 BMW 540. 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) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 400. (392 Nm). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 400. 1992 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1981 Ferrari 400 has manual transmission. 1981 Ferrari 400 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 | 1981 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 540 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1721 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 120 L |
