1998 BMW 318 vs. 1981 Buick Electra
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Buick Electra (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Electra weights approximately 297 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, 1981 Buick Electra (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1981 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 | 1981 Buick Electra | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 318 | Electra |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 4129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 100.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1692 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 95 L |
