1980 Buick Electra vs. 2009 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,032 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1980 Buick Electra. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 350 kg more than 2009 BMW 318.
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, 1980 Buick Electra (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (201 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Electra | 2009 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Electra | 318 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2730 mm |
