1996 BMW 540 vs. 1976 Dodge Aspen
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Dodge Aspen. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Dodge Aspen 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 182 more horse power than 1976 Dodge Aspen. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1976 Dodge Aspen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1976 Dodge Aspen. 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 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Dodge Aspen. (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Dodge Aspen.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1976 Dodge Aspen | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | 540 | Aspen |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 117.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2870 mm |
