1986 BMW M5 vs. 1988 Buick Electra
To start off, 1988 Buick Electra is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1988 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 56 kg more than 1986 BMW M5.
Because 1986 BMW M5 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 M5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra, 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, 1986 BMW M5 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Electra. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M5 | 1988 Buick Electra | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | M5 | Electra |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 96.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2820 mm |
