1980 Buick Electra vs. 1978 Toyota Tercel
To start off, 1980 Buick Electra is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Tercel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Tercel would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Buick Electra (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Tercel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 830 kg more than 1978 Toyota Tercel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Toyota Tercel, 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, 1980 Buick Electra (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (102 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Tercel. 1980 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1978 Toyota Tercel has manual transmission. 1978 Toyota Tercel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Electra | 1978 Toyota Tercel | |
| Make | Buick | Toyota |
| Model | Electra | Tercel |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2510 mm |
