1979 Buick Estate vs. 2002 Dodge Stratus
To start off, 2002 Dodge Stratus is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Estate would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Dodge Stratus (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1979 Buick Estate. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Dodge Stratus should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Estate weights approximately 490 kg more than 2002 Dodge Stratus.
Because 1979 Buick Estate 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 Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Dodge Stratus, 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 Estate (318 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Dodge Stratus. (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Dodge Stratus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Estate | 2002 Dodge Stratus | |
| Make | Buick | Dodge |
| Model | Estate | Stratus |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2429 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 318 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2750 mm |
