97 540I vs 79 928
06-16-2010, 02:17 PM
#1
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
97 540I vs 79 928
So my friend just picked up a '97 BMW 540I 5 speed. He goofing on my 928 saying he will blow my doors off. I had a '99 540i Sport once -- and they are indeed nothing to toy with. So the question is will he really smoke me? Here's the stats on his car.....
SPECIFICATIONS
1997 BMW 540iA
Engine Type V8, dual overhead cams, 32 valves
Engine Size 4.4 liters, 268 cu. in.
Horsepower 282 @ 5700
Torque (lb-ft) 310 @ 3900
Transmission 5-speed electronically-controlled automatic
Wheelbase / Length 111.4 in. / 188.0 in.
Curb Weight 3803 lbs.
Pounds Per Horsepower 13.5
Fuel Capacity 18.5 gal.
PERFORMANCE
0 to 60 mph 6.6 sec
1/4 mile (E.T.) 14.7 sec
Coefficient of Drag (cd) 0.31
My '79 has headers, full stainless exhaust with Borla muffler and is a 5 speed. Any idea what HP I'm running with these mods over stock? I have not had it DYNO'd. Guess looking at the stats on the BMW, I should stay quiet or go get a SC
I'm a family man now and not about to really race him so this is just a friendly banter among old friends on what if's. Let me down gently, I think I already know the answer.....I'm toast.
SPECIFICATIONS
1997 BMW 540iA
Engine Type V8, dual overhead cams, 32 valves
Engine Size 4.4 liters, 268 cu. in.
Horsepower 282 @ 5700
Torque (lb-ft) 310 @ 3900
Transmission 5-speed electronically-controlled automatic
Wheelbase / Length 111.4 in. / 188.0 in.
Curb Weight 3803 lbs.
Pounds Per Horsepower 13.5
Fuel Capacity 18.5 gal.
PERFORMANCE
0 to 60 mph 6.6 sec
1/4 mile (E.T.) 14.7 sec
Coefficient of Drag (cd) 0.31
My '79 has headers, full stainless exhaust with Borla muffler and is a 5 speed. Any idea what HP I'm running with these mods over stock? I have not had it DYNO'd. Guess looking at the stats on the BMW, I should stay quiet or go get a SC
I'm a family man now and not about to really race him so this is just a friendly banter among old friends on what if's. Let me down gently, I think I already know the answer.....I'm toast.
06-16-2010, 05:30 PM
#6
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
I guess there is always comfort in knowing I can drop on a SC, but then again DINAN offers alot of goodies for the BMW's too. Sigh. Yes, I don't care in the end -- as no one ever yelled out "nice car" to a 540 driving by or gave the thumbs up, etc. I had a 540 and liked it a lot, but never plan to get another. This is my 3rd 928. I like having a rare care. Plus let's be real, my car is from 1979. I'd like to see a 95 GTS against the 97 540.
Last but not least his car is a very girly "rose" color which is going to cost him dearly in friendly mocking -- since he made fun of my Petrol Blue color. Ok Petrol Blue is not your "typical" color but ROSE? Even if he's faster, A ROSE by any other name is still a chick color. LOL.
Last but not least his car is a very girly "rose" color which is going to cost him dearly in friendly mocking -- since he made fun of my Petrol Blue color. Ok Petrol Blue is not your "typical" color but ROSE? Even if he's faster, A ROSE by any other name is still a chick color. LOL.
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06-16-2010, 05:55 PM
#9
Rennlist Member
It would be a very close race. Begin the banter! if you have to get yours on the track, you had better put on some bigger rubber though. 
3800lbs vs 3300lbs is the key, plus with your headers, you are probably at 200 to 210rwhp if it is a good running 79. thats like 250hp flywheel, compared to the BMW 280hp. For 500lbs less weight, the 928 will smoke the BMW.
3800lbs vs 3300lbs is the key, plus with your headers, you are probably at 200 to 210rwhp if it is a good running 79. thats like 250hp flywheel, compared to the BMW 280hp. For 500lbs less weight, the 928 will smoke the BMW.
06-16-2010, 06:22 PM
#10
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If it was a Euro 79, it would be a driver's race. Not sure how the headers would affect things. Of course, if you stick a set of euro S cams to go with those headers, its sleeper city.
And yes, ask him how many times people have asked him his awesome Kraut Camry.
And yes, ask him how many times people have asked him his awesome Kraut Camry.
06-16-2010, 06:31 PM
#11
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I have had my car to the track a few times. With headers I did a fastest time of 15.1 with a trap of 97. The key here is the trap speed. With traction and the weight of the car I should be able to do a low 14 sec 1/4 mile but the car will spin and my 60ft times are horrible.
If from a roll you might hang in there and surprise him with a close race, but from a dead stop you won't get the power to the ground!
If he has a 5 spd, w/ 15% drivtrain loss he should have around 240 to the ground, you should have around 200 to the ground w/ your setup if it is running well.
Only one way to find out!
Stephen
If from a roll you might hang in there and surprise him with a close race, but from a dead stop you won't get the power to the ground!
If he has a 5 spd, w/ 15% drivtrain loss he should have around 240 to the ground, you should have around 200 to the ground w/ your setup if it is running well.
Only one way to find out!
Stephen
06-16-2010, 08:20 PM
#12
Nordschleife Master
Don't get down.. ask him to compare a BMW of the same vintage and see what he says. Also you will have the last laugh... that bimmer he just bought is plagued with suspension and cooling problems (plastic). While your out driving in your reasonably reliable 30+ year old car, his tad over 10 year old car will be in the shop. BMW quality just isn't there anymore. We had a 7 series from Hell literally!
06-16-2010, 09:45 PM
#13
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
It would be a very close race. Begin the banter! if you have to get yours on the track, you had better put on some bigger rubber though.
3800lbs vs 3300lbs is the key, plus with your headers, you are probably at 200 to 210rwhp if it is a good running 79. thats like 250hp flywheel, compared to the BMW 280hp. For 500lbs less weight, the 928 will smoke the BMW.
3800lbs vs 3300lbs is the key, plus with your headers, you are probably at 200 to 210rwhp if it is a good running 79. thats like 250hp flywheel, compared to the BMW 280hp. For 500lbs less weight, the 928 will smoke the BMW.
Now that's what I wanted to hear.....BTW, My shark has manual seats and no roof. I always wondered what the weight of my car was vs a 928 with them. Also got to think the headers are way lighter then the stock iron and stock mufflers are heavy too. At least the one I took off my S4 was. All the above has got to be -100lbs, at least, right?
BTW, My '79 runs FANTASTIC. Pure joy.
06-16-2010, 09:47 PM
#14
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
I have had my car to the track a few times. With headers I did a fastest time of 15.1 with a trap of 97. The key here is the trap speed. With traction and the weight of the car I should be able to do a low 14 sec 1/4 mile but the car will spin and my 60ft times are horrible.
If from a roll you might hang in there and surprise him with a close race, but from a dead stop you won't get the power to the ground!
If he has a 5 spd, w/ 15% drivtrain loss he should have around 240 to the ground, you should have around 200 to the ground w/ your setup if it is running well.
Only one way to find out!
Stephen
If from a roll you might hang in there and surprise him with a close race, but from a dead stop you won't get the power to the ground!
If he has a 5 spd, w/ 15% drivtrain loss he should have around 240 to the ground, you should have around 200 to the ground w/ your setup if it is running well.
Only one way to find out!
Stephen
06-16-2010, 09:49 PM
#15
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Euro cams are tempting but that would give me an interference engine though, right?