1986 BMW 316 vs. 1978 Buick Estate
To start off, 1986 BMW 316 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Estate (153 HP) has 67 more horse power than 1986 BMW 316. (86 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Estate weights approximately 810 kg more than 1986 BMW 316. 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, 1978 Buick Estate (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW 316. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW 316 | 1978 Buick Estate | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 316 | Estate |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 153 HP |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 97.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2950 mm |
