1988 Buick Electra vs. 2005 BMW 318
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Buick Electra would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 180 kg more than 2005 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 BMW 318 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 2005 BMW 318. 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 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 318. (201 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 2005 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Electra | 318 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 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 | 1575 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2740 mm |
