1996 BMW 540 vs. 1961 Fiat Cabriolet
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat Cabriolet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat Cabriolet 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 182 more horse power than 1961 Fiat Cabriolet. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat Cabriolet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 769 kg more than 1961 Fiat Cabriolet. 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 305 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat Cabriolet. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat Cabriolet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1961 Fiat Cabriolet | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 540 | Cabriolet |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 37 L |
