1978 Buick Electra vs. 2009 Saturn Aura
To start off, 2009 Saturn Aura 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 Saturn Aura (164 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Saturn Aura should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 453 kg more than 2009 Saturn Aura.
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 Saturn Aura, 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 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Saturn Aura. (216 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Saturn Aura.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 2009 Saturn Aura | |
| Make | Buick | Saturn |
| Model | Electra | Aura |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2860 mm |
