1996 BMW 540 vs. 1998 Opel Speedster
To start off, 1998 Opel Speedster is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 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 84 more horse power than 1998 Opel Speedster. (198 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Speedster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 840 kg more than 1998 Opel Speedster. 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 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Speedster. (250 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Speedster. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1998 Opel Speedster has manual transmission. 1998 Opel Speedster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1998 Opel Speedster | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 540 | Speedster |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2340 mm |
