1980 Buick Electra vs. 2012 BMW 118
To start off, 2012 BMW 118 is newer by 32 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, 2012 BMW 118 (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1980 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 270 kg more than 2012 BMW 118.
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 118 (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Buick Electra. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Electra | 2012 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Electra | 118 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4324 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 51 L |
