1990 BMW 316 vs. 1980 Buick Electra
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Buick Electra (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 610 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, 1980 Buick Electra (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 1980 Buick Electra 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. 1980 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1980 Buick Electra | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 316 | Electra |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 4129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 95 L |
