1988 Buick Electra vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 25 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 4,395 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 BMW 5 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 5 Series (439 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 1988 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 475 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 2013 BMW 5 Series 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 366 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Electra. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Electra | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 439 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2968 mm |
