2009 BMW 550 vs. 1978 Buick Electra
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 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, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 123 kg more than 2009 BMW 550.
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, 2009 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Electra. (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1978 Buick Electra | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 550 | Electra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 5730 cc |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 97.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3030 mm |
