2000 BMW 318 vs. 1978 Buick Electra
To start off, 2000 BMW 318 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Electra (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2000 BMW 318. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 425 kg more than 2000 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, 1978 Buick Electra (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW 318. 1978 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2000 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2000 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW 318 | 1978 Buick Electra | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 318 | Electra |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1894 cc | 5730 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 97.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3030 mm |
