1978 Buick Electra vs. 2005 Volvo V50
To start off, 2005 Volvo V50 is newer by 27 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, 2005 Volvo V50 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 306 kg more than 2005 Volvo V50.
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, 2005 Volvo V50, 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 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volvo V50. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volvo V50. 1978 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2005 Volvo V50 has manual transmission. 2005 Volvo V50 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 | 2005 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Electra | V50 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 2318 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1479 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2800 mm |
