1981 Buick Electra vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 31 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1981 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 63 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 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick Electra. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick Electra. 1981 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 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 | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
Make | Buick | Alfa Romeo |
Model | Electra | 159 |
Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4129 cc | 2387 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 197 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 278 Nm | 400 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 90.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
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 | 1755 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4670 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1840 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 70 L |