1983 Buick Electra vs. 1996 Ford Escort
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Buick Electra (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (112 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Buick Electra weights approximately 560 kg more than 1996 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort, 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, 1983 Buick Electra (279 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1983 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort. 1983 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Buick Electra | 1996 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Electra | Escort |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 48 L |
