1978 Buick Electra vs. 2011 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2011 Toyota RAV4 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, 2011 Toyota RAV4 (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 227 kg more than 2011 Toyota RAV4.
Because 2011 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Buick Electra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Toyota RAV4 will offer significantly more control. 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 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Toyota RAV4. (233 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Toyota RAV4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 2011 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Buick | Toyota |
| Model | Electra | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1558 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2659 mm |
