2008 BMW 318 vs. 1990 Buick Electra
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Buick Electra would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Buick Electra weights approximately 180 kg more than 2008 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Buick Electra, 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, 1990 Buick Electra (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (201 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1990 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1990 Buick Electra | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 318 | Electra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2820 mm |
