1996 BMW 540 vs. 1956 Morgan Plus 4
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Morgan Plus 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Morgan Plus 4 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1956 Morgan Plus 4. (57 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1956 Morgan Plus 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 1053 kg more than 1956 Morgan Plus 4. 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 @ 3600 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Morgan Plus 4. (152 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Morgan Plus 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1956 Morgan Plus 4 | |
| Make | BMW | Morgan |
| Model | 540 | Plus 4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2087 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 762 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2440 mm |
