1978 Buick Electra vs. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 25 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, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 216 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
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, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 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 83 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Buick Electra | 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | |
Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
Model | Electra | Malibu |
Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5730 cc | 3500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 153 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 381 Nm | 298 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 94 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 84.1 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1569 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4780 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1780 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2850 mm |