1978 Buick Electra vs. 2002 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2002 Smart ForTwo is newer by 24 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 93 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 980 kg more than 2002 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 286 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForTwo. 1978 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2002 Smart ForTwo has manual transmission. 2002 Smart ForTwo 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 | 2002 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Buick | Smart |
| Model | Electra | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 67 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 1820 mm |
