1996 BMW 540 vs. 1972 Toyota Publica
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Toyota Publica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Toyota Publica 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 244 more horse power than 1972 Toyota Publica. (38 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1972 Toyota Publica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 1060 kg more than 1972 Toyota Publica. 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 378 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Toyota Publica. (62 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Toyota Publica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1972 Toyota Publica | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 540 | Publica |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 62 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2170 mm |
