1996 BMW 540 vs. 1971 Subaru Leone
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Subaru Leone. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Subaru Leone would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1971 Subaru Leone. (68 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1971 Subaru Leone. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 1055 kg more than 1971 Subaru Leone. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 540 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Subaru Leone, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 337 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Subaru Leone. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Subaru Leone. 1971 Subaru Leone has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 540 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Subaru Leone will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1971 Subaru Leone | |
| Make | BMW | Subaru |
| Model | 540 | Leone |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1361 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2450 mm |
