1980 Buick Electra vs. 1996 Saturn SC
To start off, 1996 Saturn SC is newer by 16 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 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 22 more horse power than 1996 Saturn SC. (101 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1996 Saturn SC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 645 kg more than 1996 Saturn SC. 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, 1996 Saturn SC, 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 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Saturn SC. (158 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Saturn SC. 1980 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1996 Saturn SC has manual transmission. 1996 Saturn SC 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 | 1996 Saturn SC | |
| Make | Buick | Saturn |
| Model | Electra | SC |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2610 mm |
