1996 BMW 540 vs. 1985 Buick LeSabre
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Buick LeSabre 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 119 more horse power than 1985 Buick LeSabre. (163 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1985 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1985 Buick LeSabre. 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, 1985 Buick LeSabre, 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 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Buick LeSabre. (329 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1985 Buick LeSabre | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 540 | LeSabre |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
