1996 BMW 540 vs. 1979 Datsun 280
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Datsun 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Datsun 280 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 142 more horse power than 1979 Datsun 280. (140 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1979 Datsun 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 543 kg more than 1979 Datsun 280. 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 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Datsun 280. (202 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Datsun 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1979 Datsun 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Datsun |
| Model | 540 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1272 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2530 mm |
