2009 BMW 118 vs. 1978 Buick Electra
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 31 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, 1978 Buick Electra (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2009 BMW 118. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 400 kg more than 2009 BMW 118. 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, 1978 Buick Electra (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 118 | 1978 Buick Electra | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 118 | Electra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5730 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 97.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 3030 mm |
