1979 BMW 732 vs. 1988 Buick Electra
To start off, 1988 Buick Electra is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 BMW 732. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 BMW 732 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 BMW 732 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1988 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 BMW 732 should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 75 kg more than 1979 BMW 732.
Because 1979 BMW 732 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 BMW 732. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, both vehicles can yield 285 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1988 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1979 BMW 732 has manual transmission. 1979 BMW 732 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 BMW 732 | 1988 Buick Electra | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 732 | Electra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 96.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2820 mm |
