1994 BMW M3 vs. 1988 Buick Electra
To start off, 1994 BMW M3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Buick Electra would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW M3 (281 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1988 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 110 kg more than 1994 BMW M3.
Because 1994 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra, 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, 1994 BMW M3 (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Electra. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1994 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Electra. 1988 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1994 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1994 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW M3 | 1988 Buick Electra | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | M3 | Electra |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2990 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 281 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 96.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2820 mm |
