1990 BMW 316 vs. 1954 Buick 40
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Buick 40 would be higher. At 4,328 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Buick 40 (141 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1954 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Buick 40 weights approximately 595 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1954 Buick 40 (309 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1954 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1954 Buick 40 | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 316 | 40 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 4328 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 309 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3110 mm |
