1978 Buick Electra vs. 2000 Chrysler Panel Cruiser
To start off, 2000 Chrysler Panel Cruiser is newer by 22 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, 2000 Chrysler Panel Cruiser (200 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Chrysler Panel Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 221 kg more than 2000 Chrysler Panel Cruiser.
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, 2000 Chrysler Panel Cruiser, 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) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Chrysler Panel Cruiser. (271 Nm). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Chrysler Panel Cruiser. 1978 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2000 Chrysler Panel Cruiser has manual transmission. 2000 Chrysler Panel Cruiser 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 | 2000 Chrysler Panel Cruiser | |
| Make | Buick | Chrysler |
| Model | Electra | Panel Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 2398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1564 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2620 mm |
