1979 Buick Electra vs. 2011 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2011 Kia Sorento is newer by 32 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, 2011 Kia Sorento (276 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1979 Buick Electra. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Electra weights approximately 58 kg more than 2011 Kia Sorento.
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, 2011 Kia Sorento, 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, 2011 Kia Sorento (336 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Electra. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Electra | 2011 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | Electra | Sorento |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1825 kg | 1767 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4661 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1735 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2700 mm |
