1996 BMW M3 vs. 1978 Buick Electra
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 197 kg more than 1996 BMW M3.
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 Electra (381 Nm) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (305 Nm). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW M3. 1978 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1978 Buick Electra | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | M3 | Electra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3001 cc | 5730 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.2 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 97.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1588 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3030 mm |
