1996 BMW 540 vs. 1972 Chevrolet Impala
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 Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Impala 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 172 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1972 Chevrolet Impala. 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 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Chevrolet Impala. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Chevrolet Impala. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1972 Chevrolet Impala has manual transmission. 1972 Chevrolet Impala 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 Impala | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 540 | Impala |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 98.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3100 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
