1978 Buick Electra vs. 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Suburban is newer by 26 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, 2004 Chevrolet Suburban (282 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 629 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 2004 Chevrolet Suburban 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, 2004 Chevrolet Suburban 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, 2004 Chevrolet Suburban (441 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Electra. (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2004 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 2004 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Electra | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 5327 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 441 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 9 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 2414 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 5580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 3310 mm |
