1978 Buick Electra vs. 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 33 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, 1978 Buick Electra (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. (138 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 378 kg more than 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. 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, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 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 181 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. (200 Nm @ 1850 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Chevrolet Cruze.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 2011 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Electra | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4597 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2685 mm |
