1995 BMW S3 vs. 1978 Buick Estate
To start off, 1995 BMW S3 is newer by 17 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, 1995 BMW S3 (338 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1978 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Estate weights approximately 155 kg more than 1995 BMW S3.
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) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW S3. (260 Nm). This means 1978 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW S3. 1978 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 1995 BMW S3 has manual transmission. 1995 BMW S3 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:
| 1995 BMW S3 | 1978 Buick Estate | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | S3 | Estate |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2950 mm |
