1978 Buick Electra vs. 1962 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1978 Buick Electra is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Electra (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1962 Ford Cortina. (48 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1962 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 1007 kg more than 1962 Ford Cortina. 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 Buick Electra (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 291 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Ford Cortina. (90 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Ford Cortina. 1978 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1962 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1962 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 1962 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Electra | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 1198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 48 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 58.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 778 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2500 mm |
