1974 BMW 518 vs. 1978 Buick LeSabre
To start off, 1978 Buick LeSabre is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 518 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick LeSabre (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1974 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 350 kg more than 1974 BMW 518. 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, 1978 Buick LeSabre (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 518. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 518. 1978 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1974 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1974 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1974 BMW 518 | 1978 Buick LeSabre | |
Make | BMW | Buick |
Model | 518 | LeSabre |
Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1766 cc | 3791 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 104 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Torque | 146 Nm | 251 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1590 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1910 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2950 mm |