1996 BMW 540 vs. 1988 Honda Legend
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Legend. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Legend 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 107 more horse power than 1988 Honda Legend. (175 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Legend. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 395 kg more than 1988 Honda Legend. 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, 1988 Honda Legend, 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 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Legend. (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Legend.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1988 Honda Legend | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 540 | Legend |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2675 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2720 mm |
