1980 Buick Electra vs. 1997 Buick Century
To start off, 1997 Buick Century is newer by 17 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, 1997 Buick Century (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1980 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 170 kg more than 1997 Buick Century.
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, 1997 Buick Century, 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 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Century. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Electra | 1997 Buick Century | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Electra | Century |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 64 L |
