1989 Buick Electra vs. 2011 BMW 530
To start off, 2011 BMW 530 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Buick Electra would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 530 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1989 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick Electra.
Because 2011 BMW 530 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 2011 BMW 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 2011 BMW 530 (540 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Buick Electra. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Electra | 2011 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Electra | 530 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2011 |
| 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 | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 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 | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2968 mm |
