1990 BMW 316 vs. 1978 Buick Estate
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Estate (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Estate weights approximately 800 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, 1978 Buick Estate (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 1978 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1978 Buick Estate | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 316 | Estate |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2950 mm |
