1980 Buick Electra vs. 2009 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 29 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, 2009 Chevrolet Impala (233 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1980 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 141 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Impala.
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, 2009 Chevrolet Impala, 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, 2009 Chevrolet Impala (325 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Buick Electra. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Electra | 2009 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Electra | Impala |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 3899 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 233 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| 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 | 1549 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 64 L |
