1996 BMW 540 vs. 1958 Ford 12 M
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ford 12 M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ford 12 M 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 @ 5400 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1958 Ford 12 M. (53 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford 12 M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 840 kg more than 1958 Ford 12 M. 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. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1958 Ford 12 M has manual transmission. 1958 Ford 12 M 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 | 1958 Ford 12 M | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 540 | 12 M |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1498 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 |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2500 mm |
