1978 Buick Electra vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 35 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 75 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.
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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Electra. (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Electra | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 89 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2968 mm |
