1978 Buick Electra vs. 2009 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 31 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, 2009 Chevrolet Impala (211 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 710 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Impala.
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, 2009 Chevrolet Impala, 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 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Impala. (291 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 2009 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Electra | Impala |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2810 mm |
