2008 BMW 550 vs. 1989 Buick Electra
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,799 cc, 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1989 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1989 Buick Electra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 550 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 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 2008 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Buick Electra. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 1989 Buick Electra | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 550 | Electra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 3791 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2820 mm |
