1980 Buick Electra vs. 1997 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1997 Holden Commodore 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 4,987 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Holden Commodore (225 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1980 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 140 kg more than 1997 Holden Commodore.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Holden Commodore (395 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Buick Electra. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Buick Electra. 1980 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1997 Holden Commodore has manual transmission. 1997 Holden Commodore 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 | 1997 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Buick | Holden |
| Model | Electra | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 4987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 395 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2950 mm |
