1978 Buick Electra vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 19 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, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 395 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
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, 1997 Ford Contour, 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 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1978 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour 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 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
Make | Buick | Ford |
Model | Electra | Contour |
Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5730 cc | 2544 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 153 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 381 Nm | 231 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5625 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1390 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2710 mm |