1996 BMW 540 vs. 1988 Buick Electra
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 8 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1988 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1988 Buick Electra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 540 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 1996 BMW 540. 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Electra. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Electra. 1988 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 540 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:
1996 BMW 540 | 1988 Buick Electra | |
Make | BMW | Buick |
Model | 540 | Electra |
Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4397 cc | 3791 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 285 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 96.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 86.4 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1575 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4990 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2820 mm |