1971 BMW 3 vs. 1978 Buick Electra
To start off, 1978 Buick Electra is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 405 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
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 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 1978 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 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:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1978 Buick Electra | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 3 | Electra |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 5730 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 5650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 3030 mm |
