1980 Buick Electra vs. 2012 Kia Rio
To start off, 2012 Kia Rio 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 5,032 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 138 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 599 kg more than 2012 Kia Rio.
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 Kia Rio, 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, 1980 Buick Electra (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Rio. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Electra | 2012 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | Electra | Rio |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1126 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4366 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2570 mm |
