1996 BMW M3 vs. 1981 Buick Electra
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1981 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Electra weights approximately 60 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, 1996 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick Electra. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1981 Buick Electra | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | M3 | Electra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 4129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 100.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1692 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 95 L |
