1996 BMW 540 vs. 1974 Peugeot 204
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Peugeot 204. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Peugeot 204 would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 1974 Peugeot 204. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1974 Peugeot 204. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 980 kg more than 1974 Peugeot 204. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 540 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Peugeot 204, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Peugeot 204. (84 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Peugeot 204. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1974 Peugeot 204 has manual transmission. 1974 Peugeot 204 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 | 1974 Peugeot 204 | |
| Make | BMW | Peugeot |
| Model | 540 | 204 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 1130 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2610 mm |
