1996 BMW 540 vs. 1969 Simca 1501
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Simca 1501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Simca 1501 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 201 more horse power than 1969 Simca 1501. (81 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1969 Simca 1501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 739 kg more than 1969 Simca 1501. 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 316 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Simca 1501. (124 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Simca 1501. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1969 Simca 1501 has manual transmission. 1969 Simca 1501 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 | 1969 Simca 1501 | |
| Make | BMW | Simca |
| Model | 540 | 1501 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1475 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 996 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
