1981 Buick Electra vs. 1984 Ford Tempo
To start off, 1984 Ford Tempo is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Buick Electra (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1984 Ford Tempo. (89 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Electra weights approximately 587 kg more than 1984 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Ford Tempo, 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, 1981 Buick Electra (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Tempo. (170 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Tempo. 1981 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1984 Ford Tempo has manual transmission. 1984 Ford Tempo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Buick Electra | 1984 Ford Tempo | |
Make | Buick | Ford |
Model | Electra | Tempo |
Year Released | 1981 | 1984 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4129 cc | 2306 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 89 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
Torque | 278 Nm | 170 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 96 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 79.5 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 1105 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2540 mm |