1988 Buick Electra vs. 2009 BMW 525
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 21 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, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1988 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 10 kg more than 2009 BMW 525.
Because 2009 BMW 525 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Buick Electra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 will offer significantly more control. 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 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 2009 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Electra | 525 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2890 mm |
