1980 Buick Electra vs. 2004 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2004 Renault Vel Satis is newer by 24 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, 2004 Renault Vel Satis (238 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1980 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 170 kg more than 1980 Buick Electra. 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, 2004 Renault Vel Satis, 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, 2004 Renault Vel Satis (330 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Buick Electra. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Electra | 2004 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | Buick | Renault |
| Model | Electra | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 80 L |
