1996 BMW 540 vs. 1975 Honda 145
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Honda 145. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Honda 145 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 214 more horse power than 1975 Honda 145. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1975 Honda 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 895 kg more than 1975 Honda 145. 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, 1975 Honda 145, 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 322 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Honda 145. (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Honda 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1975 Honda 145 | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 540 | 145 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1432 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2260 mm |
