1971 Buick Skylark vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick Skylark (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Skylark weights approximately 130 kg more than 2004 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1971 Buick Skylark (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 2004 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1971 Buick Skylark has manual transmission. 1971 Buick Skylark will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Skylark | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Skylark | 318 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 63 L |
