2008 BMW 540 vs. 1971 Honda Life
To start off, 2008 BMW 540 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Honda Life would be higher. At 4,398 cc, 2008 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 540 weights approximately 1245 kg more than 1971 Honda Life.
Because 2008 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 2008 BMW 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Honda Life, 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, 2008 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 412 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Honda Life. 2008 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1971 Honda Life has manual transmission. 1971 Honda Life will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 540 | 1971 Honda Life | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 540 | Life |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 356 cc |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 29 HP |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 28 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 50.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 113 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
