1980 Buick Electra vs. 1984 Ford Orion
To start off, 1984 Ford Orion is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,032 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Buick Electra (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1984 Ford Orion. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 830 kg more than 1984 Ford Orion. 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, 1984 Ford Orion, 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 (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Orion. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Orion. 1980 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1984 Ford Orion has manual transmission. 1984 Ford Orion 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 | 1984 Ford Orion | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Electra | Orion |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2410 mm |
