1981 Buick Electra vs. 1997 Mitsubishi Space Runner
To start off, 1997 Mitsubishi Space Runner is newer by 16 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 3 more horse power than 1997 Mitsubishi Space Runner. (120 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1997 Mitsubishi Space Runner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Electra weights approximately 477 kg more than 1997 Mitsubishi Space Runner. 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, 1997 Mitsubishi Space Runner, 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 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mitsubishi Space Runner. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mitsubishi Space Runner. 1981 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1997 Mitsubishi Space Runner has manual transmission. 1997 Mitsubishi Space Runner 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 | 1997 Mitsubishi Space Runner | |
| Make | Buick | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Electra | Space Runner |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1834 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2530 mm |
