1996 BMW 540 vs. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 201 kg more than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. 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 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. (278 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1979 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 540 | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 4392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1644 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2950 mm |
