1996 BMW 540 vs. 1966 Ford GT 40
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 709 kg more than 1966 Ford GT 40.
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) has 355 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford GT 40. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1966 Ford GT 40 has manual transmission. 1966 Ford GT 40 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 | 1966 Ford GT 40 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 540 | GT 40 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 95.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 72.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1136 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1040 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 125 L |
