1988 BMW 316 vs. 1974 Buick GS
To start off, 1988 BMW 316 is newer by 14 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 104 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Buick GS should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1974 Buick GS.
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 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1974 Buick GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 1974 Buick GS | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 316 | GS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 5724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 394 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
