1972 BMW 3 vs. 1976 Buick Estate
To start off, 1976 Buick Estate is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1976 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Estate weights approximately 614 kg more than 1972 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, 1976 Buick Estate (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3. 1976 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1976 Buick Estate | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 3 | Estate |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 97.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1884 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 5510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2950 mm |
