1996 BMW 540 vs. 1979 Saab 900
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Saab 900. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Saab 900 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 182 more horse power than 1979 Saab 900. (100 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1979 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 615 kg more than 1979 Saab 900. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 540 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Saab 900, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 278 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Saab 900. (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Saab 900.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 540 | 1979 Saab 900 | |
Make | BMW | Saab |
Model | 540 | 900 |
Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1983 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 162 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 78 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 164 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1200 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4750 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2530 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 58 L |