1979 Buick Electra vs. 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Traverse is newer by 33 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, 2012 Chevrolet Traverse (281 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1979 Buick Electra. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Traverse should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Traverse weights approximately 288 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, 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, 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, 2012 Chevrolet Traverse (360 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Electra. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Traverse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Electra | 2012 Chevrolet Traverse | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Electra | Traverse |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 281 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1825 kg | 2113 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 5207 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1991 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1849 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 3020 mm |
