1972 BMW 3 vs. 1978 Buick Estate
To start off, 1978 Buick Estate is newer by 6 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), 1978 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1978 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Estate weights approximately 506 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, 1978 Buick Estate (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3. 1978 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. 1978 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1978 Buick Estate | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 3 | Estate |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 97.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2950 mm |
