1996 BMW 540 vs. 1970 Dodge Dart
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Dodge Dart. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Dodge Dart 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 181 more horse power than 1970 Dodge Dart. (101 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1970 Dodge Dart. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 490 kg more than 1970 Dodge Dart. 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 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Dodge Dart. (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Dodge Dart.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1970 Dodge Dart | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | 540 | Dart |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 3249 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 92.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2830 mm |
