1980 BMW M1 vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW M1 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (182 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 324 kg more than 1980 BMW M1.
Because 1980 BMW M1 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 1980 BMW M1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 1980 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. 2012 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 1980 BMW M1 has manual transmission. 1980 BMW M1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M1 | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | M1 | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2837 mm |
