1996 BMW 540 vs. 1974 Buick Centurion
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Buick Centurion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Buick Centurion would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick Centurion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1974 Buick Centurion. (226 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1974 Buick Centurion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Centurion weights approximately 335 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
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, 1974 Buick Centurion (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Centurion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1974 Buick Centurion | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 540 | Centurion |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 7468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 226 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 498 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 2070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3160 mm |
