1998 BMW 318 vs. 1956 Buick 40
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 42 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 5,279 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Buick 40 (252 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Buick 40 weights approximately 315 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, 1956 Buick 40 (462 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1956 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 | 1956 Buick 40 | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 318 | 40 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 5279 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 462 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3110 mm |
