1978 Buick Electra vs. 2013 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2013 Ford Explorer 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, 2013 Ford Explorer (360 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Ford Explorer weights approximately 424 kg more than 1978 Buick Electra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Ford Explorer 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, 2013 Ford Explorer 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, 2013 Ford Explorer (475 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Electra. (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2013 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 2013 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Electra | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 2209 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 5006 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 2291 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1803 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2860 mm |
