1978 Buick Electra vs. 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Electra 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 45 more horse power than 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 170 kg more than 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Buick Electra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster. (238 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Buick | Plymouth |
| Model | Electra | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2700 mm |
