1978 Buick Electra vs. 1998 Dodge Ram
To start off, 1998 Dodge Ram is newer by 20 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, 1998 Dodge Ram (223 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Ram weights approximately 315 kg more than 1978 Buick Electra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Dodge Ram 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, 1998 Dodge Ram 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, 1998 Dodge Ram (399 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Electra. (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1998 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Electra. 1978 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1998 Dodge Ram has manual transmission. 1998 Dodge Ram 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 | 1998 Dodge Ram | |
| Make | Buick | Dodge |
| Model | Electra | Ram |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 5208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 399 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 2100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2790 mm |
