2003 BMW 520 vs. 1978 Buick Electra
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 25 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, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 85 kg more than 2003 BMW 520.
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 171 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 1978 Buick Electra | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 520 | Electra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 5730 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 97.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3030 mm |
