1996 BMW 540 vs. 1977 Porsche 911
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Porsche 911 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 82 more horse power than 1977 Porsche 911. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1977 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 575 kg more than 1977 Porsche 911. 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 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Porsche 911. (260 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Porsche 911. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1977 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 1977 Porsche 911 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 | 1977 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 540 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 70.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 79 L |
