1979 Buick Estate vs. 2012 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 BMW 320 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Estate would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 320 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1979 Buick Estate. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Estate weights approximately 375 kg more than 2012 BMW 320.
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, 2012 BMW 320 (380 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Estate. (318 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Estate. 1979 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Estate | 2012 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Estate | 320 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 318 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2810 mm |
