1978 Buick Electra vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1996 Volvo 850 is newer by 18 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 28 more horse power than 1996 Volvo 850. (125 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 450 kg more than 1996 Volvo 850. 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, 1996 Volvo 850, 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 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo 850. (170 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo 850. 1978 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1996 Volvo 850 has manual transmission. 1996 Volvo 850 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 | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Electra | 850 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2670 mm |
