1978 Buick Estate vs. 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
To start off, 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser (180 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1978 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 79 kg more than 1978 Buick Estate. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Buick Estate 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 Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 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 Estate (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (285 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Estate | 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser | |
| Make | Buick | Chrysler |
| Model | Estate | PT Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 2429 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1959 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2620 mm |
