1996 BMW 540 vs. 1976 Rover 2000
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Rover 2000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Rover 2000 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 140 more horse power than 1976 Rover 2000. (142 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1976 Rover 2000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 483 kg more than 1976 Rover 2000. 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 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Rover 2000. (272 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Rover 2000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1976 Rover 2000 | |
| Make | BMW | Rover |
| Model | 540 | 2000 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 272 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2640 mm |
