1998 BMW 318 vs. 1978 Buick Electra
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Electra (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 470 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, 1978 Buick Electra (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1978 Buick Electra | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 318 | Electra |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1893 cc | 5730 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 97.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3030 mm |
