1998 BMW 318 vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 430 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 2012 Buick LaCrosse 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. 2012 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 318 | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 59 L |
