1992 BMW 540 vs. 2007 BMW 120
To start off, 2007 BMW 120 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 540 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 134 more horse power than 2007 BMW 120. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 300 kg more than 2007 BMW 120. 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 @ 5100 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 2007 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 540 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 50 L |
