1978 Buick Electra vs. 2012 GMC Terrain
To start off, 2012 GMC Terrain is newer by 34 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, 2012 GMC Terrain (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 GMC Terrain should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 37 kg more than 2012 GMC Terrain.
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, 2012 GMC Terrain, 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 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 GMC Terrain. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 GMC Terrain.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 2012 GMC Terrain | |
| Make | Buick | GMC |
| Model | Electra | Terrain |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4707 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2858 mm |
