1962 BMW 3200 CS vs. 1978 Buick Electra
To start off, 1978 Buick Electra is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 BMW 3200 CS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 BMW 3200 CS would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 BMW 3200 CS (160 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 BMW 3200 CS should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 285 kg more than 1962 BMW 3200 CS.
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, 1978 Buick Electra (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 BMW 3200 CS. (240 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 BMW 3200 CS. 1978 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1962 BMW 3200 CS has manual transmission. 1962 BMW 3200 CS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 3200 CS | 1978 Buick Electra | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 3200 CS | Electra |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 5730 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 5650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3030 mm |
