1979 Buick Electra vs. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,736 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1979 Buick Electra. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Electra weights approximately 105 kg more than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice.
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, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Electra. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1981 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Electra | 1981 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Electra | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 5002 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 333 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1825 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 5460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2950 mm |
