1981 Buick Electra vs. 2011 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2011 Nissan Xterra is newer by 30 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, 2011 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1981 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 308 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.
Because 2011 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Buick Electra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Xterra will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick Electra. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Electra | 2011 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | Electra | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 80 L |
