1979 Buick Estate vs. 2008 Pontiac Torrent
To start off, 2008 Pontiac Torrent is newer by 29 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, 2008 Pontiac Torrent (263 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1979 Buick Estate. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Pontiac Torrent should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Estate weights approximately 518 kg more than 2008 Pontiac Torrent.
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, 2008 Pontiac Torrent, 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, 2008 Pontiac Torrent (339 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Estate. (318 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Pontiac Torrent will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Estate.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Estate | 2008 Pontiac Torrent | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Estate | Torrent |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 318 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| 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 | 1352 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2860 mm |
