1981 Buick Electra vs. 1972 Ford Gran Torino
To start off, 1981 Buick Electra is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 6,553 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1981 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Gran Torino should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 322 kg more than 1981 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, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (403 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick Electra. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Electra | 1972 Ford Gran Torino | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Electra | Gran Torino |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 6553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 403 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 2014 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 5470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 76 L |
