1978 Buick Electra vs. 1982 Toyota Tercel
To start off, 1982 Toyota Tercel is newer by 4 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 83 more horse power than 1982 Toyota Tercel. (70 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1982 Toyota Tercel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 1005 kg more than 1982 Toyota Tercel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Toyota Tercel, 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 Electra (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Toyota Tercel. (107 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Toyota Tercel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 1982 Toyota Tercel | |
| Make | Buick | Toyota |
| Model | Electra | Tercel |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 76.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2440 mm |
