1990 BMW 316 vs. 1983 Buick Electra

To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Buick Electra (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 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, 1983 Buick Electra (279 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1983 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 1983 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. 1983 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1990 BMW 316 1983 Buick Electra
Make BMW Buick
Model 316 Electra
Year Released 1990 1983
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 279 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 5600 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