2009 BMW 120 vs. 1988 Buick Electra
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Buick Electra would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1988 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 50 kg more than 2009 BMW 120.
Because 2009 BMW 120 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 2009 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 Buick Electra (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1988 Buick Electra | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 120 | Electra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| 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 | 168 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 96.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2820 mm |
