1979 Buick Electra vs. 2004 Kia Retona
To start off, 2004 Kia Retona is newer by 25 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, 1979 Buick Electra (104 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2004 Kia Retona. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 2004 Kia Retona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Kia Retona weights approximately 45 kg more than 1979 Buick Electra.
Because 2004 Kia Retona is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Buick Electra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Kia Retona 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, 1979 Buick Electra (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Kia Retona. (205 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Kia Retona. 1979 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2004 Kia Retona has manual transmission. 2004 Kia Retona 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 | 2004 Kia Retona | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | Electra | Retona |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1825 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2370 mm |
