1978 Buick Electra vs. 2013 Chevrolet Sonic
To start off, 2013 Chevrolet Sonic is newer by 35 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 19 more horse power than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. (134 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 526 kg more than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. 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, 2013 Chevrolet Sonic, 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 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. (201 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. 1978 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2013 Chevrolet Sonic has manual transmission. 2013 Chevrolet Sonic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Buick Electra | 2013 Chevrolet Sonic | |
Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
Model | Electra | Sonic |
Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5730 cc | 1800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 153 HP | 134 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4900 RPM |
Torque | 381 Nm | 201 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 72 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 82 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1259 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4039 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1735 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1517 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2525 mm |