1986 Buick Electra vs. 2008 BMW 320
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Buick Electra would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1986 Buick Electra. (138 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1986 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1986 Buick Electra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 320 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 2008 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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 Buick Electra (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1986 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Buick Electra | 2008 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Electra | 320 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2770 mm |
