1955 Buick 40 vs. 1978 ZIL 117
To start off, 1978 ZIL 117 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Buick 40 would be higher. At 6,958 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 ZIL 117 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 ZIL 117 (296 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1955 Buick 40. (234 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 ZIL 117 should accelerate faster than 1955 Buick 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 ZIL 117 weights approximately 1225 kg more than 1955 Buick 40. 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 ZIL 117 (570 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Buick 40. (447 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 ZIL 117 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Buick 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Buick 40 | 1978 ZIL 117 | |
| Make | Buick | ZIL |
| Model | 40 | 117 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5277 cc | 6958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 234 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 2950 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 3310 mm |
