1988 BMW M3 vs. 1979 Buick Electra
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,942 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (192 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1979 Buick Electra. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Electra weights approximately 429 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
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, 1979 Buick Electra (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (230 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3. 1979 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW M3 | 1979 Buick Electra | |
Make | BMW | Buick |
Model | M3 | Electra |
Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2302 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 192 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Torque | 230 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1725 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5650 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1970 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3030 mm |