1986 BMW 325 vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1986 BMW 325. (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 485 kg more than 1986 BMW 325. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 BMW 325 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1986 BMW 325. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Buick LaCrosse (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW 325. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW 325. 2012 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 1986 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 1986 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW 325 | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 325 | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 59 L |
