1996 BMW 540 vs. 1975 Chrysler Centura
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Chrysler Centura. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Chrysler Centura 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 164 more horse power than 1975 Chrysler Centura. (118 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1975 Chrysler Centura. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 620 kg more than 1975 Chrysler Centura. 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 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Chrysler Centura. (176 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Chrysler Centura. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1975 Chrysler Centura has manual transmission. 1975 Chrysler Centura 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 | 1975 Chrysler Centura | |
| Make | BMW | Chrysler |
| Model | 540 | Centura |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2680 mm |
