1996 BMW 540 vs. 1974 Toyota Century
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Toyota Century would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1974 Toyota Century. (157 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1974 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1974 Toyota Century. 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 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Toyota Century. (271 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Toyota Century.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 540 | 1974 Toyota Century | |
Make | BMW | Toyota |
Model | 540 | Century |
Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4397 cc | 3376 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 157 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 271 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1765 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4990 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2870 mm |