1996 BMW 540 vs. 1972 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. (255 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 346 kg more than 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. 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 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. (380 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1972 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1972 Chevrolet Corvette 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 | 1972 Chevrolet Corvette | |
Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
Model | 540 | Corvette |
Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4396 cc | 5733 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 255 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 380 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 101.7 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 88.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
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 | 1499 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4640 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1220 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2500 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |