1980 Buick Electra vs. 2011 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2011 Ford Taurus is newer by 31 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, 2011 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1980 Buick Electra. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Taurus weights approximately 96 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, 2011 Ford Taurus, 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, 2011 Ford Taurus (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Buick Electra. (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Electra | 2011 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Electra | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2868 mm |
