1996 BMW 540 vs. 1957 Fiat 1200
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Fiat 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Fiat 1200 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP) has 229 more horse power than 1957 Fiat 1200. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1957 Fiat 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 810 kg more than 1957 Fiat 1200. 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 359 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Fiat 1200. (81 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Fiat 1200. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1957 Fiat 1200 has manual transmission. 1957 Fiat 1200 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 | 1957 Fiat 1200 | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 540 | 1200 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1219 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 75 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 145 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 37 L |
