1978 Buick Electra vs. 2008 Kia Carnival
To start off, 2008 Kia Carnival is newer by 30 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, 2008 Kia Carnival (186 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Carnival should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Carnival weights approximately 239 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 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, 2008 Kia Carnival, 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 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Carnival. (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Carnival.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 2008 Kia Carnival | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | Electra | Carnival |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 2655 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 186 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 86.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 2024 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2900 mm |
