2001 BMW 318 vs. 1997 Buick LeSabre
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick LeSabre (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 50 kg more than 2001 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Buick LeSabre, 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, 1997 Buick LeSabre (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318. 1997 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 1997 Buick LeSabre | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 318 | LeSabre |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 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 | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
