1996 BMW 540 vs. 1954 Fiat 1400
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Fiat 1400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Fiat 1400 would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 243 more horse power than 1954 Fiat 1400. (39 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1954 Fiat 1400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 660 kg more than 1954 Fiat 1400. 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm) has 306 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Fiat 1400. (134 Nm). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Fiat 1400. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1954 Fiat 1400 has manual transmission. 1954 Fiat 1400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1954 Fiat 1400 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 540 | 1400 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 20.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2660 mm |
