1951 Buick 40 vs. 2009 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 58 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Buick 40 would be higher. At 4,066 cc (8 cylinders), 1951 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1951 Buick 40. (119 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1951 Buick 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Buick 40 weights approximately 260 kg more than 2009 BMW 318.
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, 1951 Buick 40 (292 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (201 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1951 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Buick 40 | 2009 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | 40 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4066 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 104.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2730 mm |
