1996 BMW 540 vs. 1958 GAZ M20
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 GAZ M20. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 GAZ M20 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 231 more horse power than 1958 GAZ M20. (51 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1958 GAZ M20. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 385 kg more than 1958 GAZ M20. 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 315 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 GAZ M20. (125 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 GAZ M20. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1958 GAZ M20 has manual transmission. 1958 GAZ M20 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 GAZ M20 | |
| Make | BMW | GAZ |
| Model | 540 | M20 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1958 |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 2120 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
