2008 BMW 116 vs. 1981 Buick Electra
To start off, 2008 BMW 116 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Buick Electra (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2008 BMW 116. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Electra weights approximately 487 kg more than 2008 BMW 116. 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, 1981 Buick Electra (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 116. (150 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 116. 1981 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 116 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 116 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 116 | 1981 Buick Electra | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 116 | Electra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 4129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 100.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1692 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 5650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 95 L |
