1978 Buick Electra vs. 2008 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2008 Nissan Altima 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 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 245 kg more than 2008 Nissan Altima.
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 Nissan Altima, 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 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan Altima. 1978 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2008 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan Altima 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 | 2008 Nissan Altima | |
Make | Buick | Nissan |
Model | Electra | Altima |
Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5730 cc | 2491 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 153 HP | 175 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 381 Nm | 244 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1540 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4830 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2780 mm |