1996 BMW 540 vs. 1979 BMW 725
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 BMW 725 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 134 more horse power than 1979 BMW 725. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1979 BMW 725.
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 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 BMW 725. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 BMW 725.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1979 BMW 725 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 540 | 725 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2810 mm |
