1992 BMW 540 vs. 1986 Saab 9000
To start off, 1992 BMW 540 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Saab 9000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Saab 9000 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 147 more horse power than 1986 Saab 9000. (135 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1986 Saab 9000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 345 kg more than 1986 Saab 9000. 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, 1986 Saab 9000, 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 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Saab 9000. (172 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Saab 9000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 1986 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | BMW | Saab |
| Model | 540 | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 54 L |
