1978 Buick Estate vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1978 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Estate weights approximately 495 kg more than 2011 BMW 120.
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 171 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 120. 1978 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW 120 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:
| 1978 Buick Estate | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Estate | 120 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2670 mm |
