1996 BMW 520 vs. 1974 Buick GS
To start off, 1996 BMW 520 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Buick GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Buick GS would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Buick GS (190 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Buick GS should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick GS weights approximately 134 kg more than 1996 BMW 520. 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, 1974 Buick GS (394 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1974 Buick GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 1974 Buick GS | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 520 | GS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 5724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 394 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1496 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2860 mm |
