1996 BMW 540 vs. 1987 Renault 5
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Renault 5 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 164 more horse power than 1987 Renault 5. (118 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1987 Renault 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 957 kg more than 1987 Renault 5. 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 Renault 5, 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 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Renault 5. (165 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Renault 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1987 Renault 5 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 540 | 5 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 193 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 | 858 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
