1979 Buick Electra vs. 2006 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2006 Ford Explorer is newer by 27 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, 2006 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1979 Buick Electra. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Explorer weights approximately 1137 kg more than 1979 Buick Electra. 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, 2006 Ford Explorer, 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, 2006 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Electra. (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Electra | 2006 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Electra | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 4015 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 2862 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2890 mm |
