1979 Buick Electra vs. 1997 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 1997 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 18 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, 1979 Buick Electra (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. (85 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Electra weights approximately 465 kg more than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 Hyundai Sonata, 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 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. (132 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Electra | 1997 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Buick | Hyundai |
| Model | Electra | Sonata |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2710 mm |
