1996 BMW 540 vs. 1959 Skoda Octavia
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Skoda Octavia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Skoda Octavia 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 244 more horse power than 1959 Skoda Octavia. (38 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1959 Skoda Octavia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 815 kg more than 1959 Skoda Octavia. 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 371 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Skoda Octavia. (69 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Skoda Octavia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1959 Skoda Octavia | |
| Make | BMW | Skoda |
| Model | 540 | Octavia |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1089 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 69 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 68 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
