1996 BMW 540 vs. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 174 more horse power than 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (108 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 80 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (279 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 540 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4269 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 279 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2850 mm |
