1980 Buick Electra vs. 2011 BMW 535
To start off, 2011 BMW 535 is newer by 31 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 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1980 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 535 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1980 Buick Electra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Buick Electra. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Buick Electra. 1980 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW 535 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW 535 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Electra | 2011 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Electra | 535 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 70 L |
