1998 BMW 318 vs. 1955 Buick 40
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Buick 40 would be higher. At 5,277 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Buick 40 (234 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Buick 40 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1998 BMW 318. 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, 1955 Buick 40 (447 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1955 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1955 Buick 40 | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 318 | 40 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 5277 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 234 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1725 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3110 mm |
