1996 BMW 540 vs. 1987 TVR Type S
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 TVR Type S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 TVR Type S 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 124 more horse power than 1987 TVR Type S. (158 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1987 TVR Type S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 915 kg more than 1987 TVR Type S. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 TVR Type S. (220 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 TVR Type S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1987 TVR Type S | |
| Make | BMW | TVR |
| Model | 540 | Type S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2300 mm |
