1997 BMW S3 vs. 1952 Buick 40
To start off, 1997 BMW S3 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Buick 40 would be higher. At 4,066 cc (8 cylinders), 1952 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW S3 (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1952 Buick 40. (118 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 1952 Buick 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Buick 40 weights approximately 267 kg more than 1997 BMW S3.
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 S3 (330 Nm) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Buick 40. (292 Nm). This means 1997 BMW S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Buick 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW S3 | 1952 Buick 40 | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | S3 | 40 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1952 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 4066 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3090 mm |
