1996 BMW 540 vs. 1981 Lancia Gamma
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lancia Gamma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lancia Gamma 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 166 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Gamma. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Gamma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 415 kg more than 1981 Lancia Gamma. 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, 1981 Lancia Gamma, 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 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Gamma. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Gamma.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 540 | 1981 Lancia Gamma | |
Make | BMW | Lancia |
Model | 540 | Gamma |
Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 116 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 175 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1320 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4580 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2680 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |