1996 BMW 540 vs. 1987 Buick Skylark
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1987 Buick Skylark. (148 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1987 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 655 kg more than 1987 Buick Skylark. 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, 1987 Buick Skylark, 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 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Buick Skylark. (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Buick Skylark.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1987 Buick Skylark | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 540 | Skylark |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2630 mm |
