1992 BMW 540 vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 18 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 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 2010 BMW 120. (169 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 336 kg more than 2010 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 @ 4500 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW 120. 1992 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2010 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2010 BMW 120 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 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 540 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1721 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 53 L |
