1988 BMW M3 vs. 1988 Buick Electra
To start off, both 1988 BMW M3 and 1988 Buick Electra were released in the same year (1988). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1988 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 375 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
Because 1988 BMW M3 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 1988 BMW M3. 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, 1988 Buick Electra (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3. 1988 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. 1988 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1988 Buick Electra | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | M3 | Electra |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 96.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2820 mm |
