2001 BMW M3 vs. 1979 Buick Electra
To start off, 2001 BMW M3 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,736 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 1979 Buick Electra. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Electra weights approximately 170 kg more than 2001 BMW M3.
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, 2001 BMW M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Electra. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2001 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Electra. 1979 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW M3 | 1979 Buick Electra | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | M3 | Electra |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 274 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 3030 mm |
