1980 Buick Electra vs. 2012 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 BMW 320 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 320 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1980 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Electra.
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 @ 2750 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Buick Electra. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Buick Electra. 1980 Buick Electra 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. 1980 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Electra | 2012 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Electra | 320 |
| 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 | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 57 L |
