1979 Buick Electra vs. 1989 Dodge Shadow
To start off, 1989 Dodge Shadow is newer by 10 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 4,942 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Dodge Shadow (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1979 Buick Electra. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Dodge Shadow should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Electra weights approximately 437 kg more than 1989 Dodge Shadow.
Because 1979 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 1979 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Dodge Shadow, 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, 1979 Buick Electra (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Dodge Shadow. (278 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Dodge Shadow. 1979 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1989 Dodge Shadow has manual transmission. 1989 Dodge Shadow will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Buick Electra | 1989 Dodge Shadow | |
Make | Buick | Dodge |
Model | Electra | Shadow |
Year Released | 1979 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2213 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 175 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 320 Nm | 278 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1288 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4370 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2470 mm |