1999 BMW 318 vs. 1988 Buick Electra
To start off, 1999 BMW 318 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Buick Electra would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1999 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 135 kg more than 1999 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 Buick Electra (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 318. 1988 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1999 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1999 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 318 | 1988 Buick Electra | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 318 | Electra |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 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 | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2820 mm |
