1988 Buick Electra vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 24 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, 2012 BMW 535 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1988 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Electra.
Because 2012 BMW 535 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 2012 BMW 535. 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, 2012 BMW 535 (600 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Electra. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Electra | 535 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2968 mm |
