1979 Buick Electra vs. 2011 BMW 530
To start off, 2011 BMW 530 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,942 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 530 (271 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1979 Buick Electra. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Electra weights approximately 15 kg more than 2011 BMW 530.
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, 1979 Buick Electra (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 530. (310 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 530.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Electra | 2011 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Electra | 530 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2968 mm |
