1951 Austin A vs. 1988 Buick Electra
To start off, 1988 Buick Electra is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1951 Austin A. (29 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 890 kg more than 1951 Austin A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Austin A 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 1951 Austin A. 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 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A. 1988 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1951 Austin A has manual transmission. 1951 Austin A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A | 1988 Buick Electra | |
| Make | Austin | Buick |
| Model | A | Electra |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 803 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 685 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2820 mm |
