1983 Buick Electra vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1983 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1983 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Buick Electra weights approximately 20 kg more than 2012 BMW 520.
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, 1983 Buick Electra (279 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1983 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Buick Electra | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Electra | 520 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1997 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 | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4899 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 |
