1998 BMW 318 vs. 1990 Buick Roadmaster
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Buick Roadmaster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Buick Roadmaster would be higher. At 5,732 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Buick Roadmaster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Buick Roadmaster (177 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Buick Roadmaster should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Buick Roadmaster weights approximately 585 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, 1990 Buick Roadmaster (406 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (169 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1990 Buick Roadmaster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1990 Buick Roadmaster 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. 1990 Buick Roadmaster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1990 Buick Roadmaster | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 318 | Roadmaster |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5732 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 2030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
