1998 BMW 318 vs. 1984 Buick Electra
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Buick Electra would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1984 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1984 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Buick Electra weights approximately 175 kg more than 1998 BMW 318.
Because 1998 BMW 318 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Buick Electra, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1984 Buick Electra (264 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1984 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1984 Buick Electra 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. 1984 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1984 Buick Electra | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 318 | Electra |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 96.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2820 mm |
