1977 Buick Estate vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 261 more horse power than 1977 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1977 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Buick Estate weights approximately 225 kg more than 2012 BMW M3.
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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Buick Estate. (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Buick Estate. 1977 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Buick Estate | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Estate | M3 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2761 mm |
