1992 BMW 540 vs. 2012 BMW 740
To start off, 2012 BMW 740 is newer by 20 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, 2012 BMW 740 (304 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1992 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 740 weights approximately 229 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, 2012 BMW 740 (600 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 540. (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 2012 BMW 740 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 540 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 304 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1721 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5072 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3070 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.6 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.2 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 82 L |
