1980 Buick Electra vs. 1999 Chevrolet Prizm
To start off, 1999 Chevrolet Prizm is newer by 19 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 15 more horse power than 1999 Chevrolet Prizm. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1999 Chevrolet Prizm. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 633 kg more than 1999 Chevrolet Prizm. 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, 1999 Chevrolet Prizm, 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 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Chevrolet Prizm. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Chevrolet Prizm. 1980 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1999 Chevrolet Prizm has manual transmission. 1999 Chevrolet Prizm 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 | 1999 Chevrolet Prizm | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Electra | Prizm |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2470 mm |
