1996 BMW 540 vs. 1981 Mercury Lynx
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Lynx. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Lynx 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 212 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Lynx. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Lynx. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 865 kg more than 1981 Mercury Lynx. 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 Mercury Lynx, 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 319 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Lynx. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Lynx.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 540 | 1981 Mercury Lynx | |
Make | BMW | Mercury |
Model | 540 | Lynx |
Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1598 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 121 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 950 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4170 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2400 mm |