1996 BMW 540 vs. 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado 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 159 more horse power than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 35 kg more than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. 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 Oldsmobile Toronado. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 540 | Toronado |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4128 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2910 mm |
