1992 BMW 540 vs. 2013 BMW 1 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 1 Series is newer by 21 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, 2013 BMW 1 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1992 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 1 Series should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 71 kg more than 2013 BMW 1 Series.
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, 2013 BMW 1 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 540. (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 1 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 540. 1992 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2013 BMW 1 Series has manual transmission. 2013 BMW 1 Series 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 | 2013 BMW 1 Series | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 540 | 1 Series |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.2 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1721 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4373 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1919 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1408 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.6 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.2 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 53 L |
