1987 BMW 318 vs. 1974 Buick GS
To start off, 1987 BMW 318 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Buick GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Buick GS would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Buick GS (190 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1987 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Buick GS should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick GS weights approximately 664 kg more than 1987 BMW 318. 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, 1974 Buick GS (394 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 318. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1974 Buick GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 318 | 1974 Buick GS | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 318 | GS |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 394 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2860 mm |
