1994 BMW 518 vs. 1988 Buick Skylark
To start off, 1994 BMW 518 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 3,331 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Skylark (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1994 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1994 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Skylark weights approximately 45 kg more than 1994 BMW 518. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 BMW 518 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 1994 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Buick Skylark, 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, 1988 Buick Skylark (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 BMW 518. 1988 Buick Skylark has automatic transmission and 1994 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1994 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Buick Skylark will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 518 | 1988 Buick Skylark | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 518 | Skylark |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 3331 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2630 mm |
