1978 Buick Electra vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS (416 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 263 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 70 kg more than 2012 Lexus IS.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Lexus IS (502 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Electra. (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Buick | Lexus |
| Model | Electra | IS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 416 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 502 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4661 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2731 mm |
