1998 BMW 318 vs. 1981 Buick Estate
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 Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Buick Estate (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Estate weights approximately 590 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 Estate (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1981 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1981 Buick Estate | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 318 | Estate |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 5735 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 97.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2950 mm |
