1977 Buick Electra vs. 1983 Ford Orion
To start off, 1983 Ford Orion is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Buick Electra (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1983 Ford Orion. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Buick Electra weights approximately 910 kg more than 1983 Ford Orion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 Buick Electra 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 1977 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Orion, 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, 1977 Buick Electra (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Orion. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1977 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Orion. 1977 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1983 Ford Orion has manual transmission. 1983 Ford Orion will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Buick Electra | 1983 Ford Orion | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Electra | Orion |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 64.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2410 mm |
