1978 Buick Electra vs. 2011 BMW X5
To start off, 2011 BMW X5 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW X5 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW X5 weights approximately 465 kg more than 1978 Buick Electra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW X5 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Buick Electra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW X5 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 BMW X5 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Electra. (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2011 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 2011 BMW X5 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Electra | X5 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 2250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4857 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1933 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1776 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2934 mm |
