1981 Buick Electra vs. 2012 BMW 740
To start off, 2012 BMW 740 is newer by 31 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, 2012 BMW 740 (315 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1981 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 740 weights approximately 318 kg more than 1981 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, 2012 BMW 740 (447 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick Electra. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Electra | 2012 BMW 740 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Electra | 740 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| 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 | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 2010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 5215 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 3210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 82 L |
