1996 BMW 545 vs. 1954 Buick 40
To start off, 1996 BMW 545 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Buick 40 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 545 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1954 Buick 40. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1954 Buick 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Buick 40 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1996 BMW 545.
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 545 (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Buick 40. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Buick 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 545 | 1954 Buick 40 | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 545 | 40 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4328 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1675 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3110 mm |
