1997 BMW 850 vs. 1956 Buick 40
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Buick 40 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1956 Buick 40. (252 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1956 Buick 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 355 kg more than 1956 Buick 40. 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Buick 40. (462 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Buick 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1956 Buick 40 | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 850 | 40 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 5279 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 462 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3110 mm |
