1976 Buick Estate vs. 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Buick Estate (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Sonic.
Because 1976 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 1976 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, 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, 1976 Buick Estate (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. (169 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Sonic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick Estate | 2012 Chevrolet Sonic | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Estate | Sonic |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4039 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2525 mm |
