1988 Buick Electra vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 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 X3 (240 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1988 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1988 Buick Electra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Buick Electra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 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, 2012 BMW X3 (299 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Electra. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 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 X3 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Electra | X3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 299 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2810 mm |
