1997 BMW M3 vs. 1981 Buick Estate
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1981 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Estate weights approximately 580 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, 1981 Buick Estate (380 Nm) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW M3. (236 Nm). This means 1981 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW M3. 1981 Buick Estate 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. 1981 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1981 Buick Estate | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | M3 | Estate |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 5735 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2950 mm |
