1980 Buick Electra vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2012 Cadillac CTS is newer by 32 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, 2012 Cadillac CTS (270 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1980 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 58 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.
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, 2012 Cadillac CTS (302 Nm @ 5700 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Buick Electra. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Electra | 2012 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Buick | Cadillac |
| Model | Electra | CTS |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1748 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4859 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 68 L |
