1974 Austin 1800 vs. 1978 Buick Estate
To start off, 1978 Buick Estate is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Austin 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Austin 1800 would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Estate (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1974 Austin 1800. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1974 Austin 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Estate weights approximately 690 kg more than 1974 Austin 1800. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Buick Estate 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 1978 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Austin 1800, 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, 1978 Buick Estate (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Austin 1800. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Austin 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Austin 1800 | 1978 Buick Estate | |
| Make | Austin | Buick |
| Model | 1800 | Estate |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.3 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 97.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2950 mm |
