1998 BMW 318 vs. 1989 Buick Electra
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Buick Electra would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Electra weights approximately 260 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.
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, 1989 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, 1989 Buick Electra (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1989 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 | 1989 Buick Electra | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 318 | Electra |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1893 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1575 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 |
