1980 Buick Electra vs. 2012 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2012 Ford Taurus 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 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1980 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Taurus weights approximately 131 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, 2012 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, 2012 Ford Taurus (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Buick Electra. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Electra | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 72 L |
