1981 Buick Electra vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (176 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1981 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Electra weights approximately 372 kg more than 2011 BMW 120.
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 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick Electra. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Electra | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Electra | 120 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| 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 | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 51 L |
