1996 BMW 540 vs. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 6,558 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. (182 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 200 kg more than 1996 BMW 540.
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, both vehicles can yield 440 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 540 | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 6558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 110.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2950 mm |
