1997 BMW M3 vs. 1980 Buick Electra
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1980 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 390 kg more than 1997 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, 1980 Buick Electra (278 Nm) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW M3. (236 Nm). This means 1980 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW M3. 1980 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1980 Buick Electra | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | M3 | Electra |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 4129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3030 mm |
