1985 Buick Electra vs. 1978 Buick Estate
To start off, 1985 Buick Electra is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Estate (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1985 Buick Electra. (109 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1985 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Estate weights approximately 480 kg more than 1985 Buick Electra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Buick Estate 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 1978 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Buick Electra, 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, 1978 Buick Estate (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Buick Electra. (196 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Buick Electra | 1978 Buick Estate | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Electra | Estate |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2950 mm |
