1996 BMW 540 vs. 1978 Chrysler 160
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chrysler 160. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chrysler 160 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 193 more horse power than 1978 Chrysler 160. (89 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1978 Chrysler 160. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 730 kg more than 1978 Chrysler 160. 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 307 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chrysler 160. (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chrysler 160.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1978 Chrysler 160 | |
| Make | BMW | Chrysler |
| Model | 540 | 160 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1639 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2680 mm |
