1996 BMW 540 vs. 1977 Simca 1309
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Simca 1309. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Simca 1309 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 195 more horse power than 1977 Simca 1309. (87 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1977 Simca 1309. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 720 kg more than 1977 Simca 1309. 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, 1977 Simca 1309, 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 306 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Simca 1309. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Simca 1309. 1977 Simca 1309 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 540 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Simca 1309 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1977 Simca 1309 | |
| Make | BMW | Simca |
| Model | 540 | 1309 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 80.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 58 L |
