1986 Buick Electra vs. 1972 Ford Mustang

To start off, 1986 Buick Electra is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,753 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Mustang (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1986 Buick Electra. (138 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1986 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Mustang weights approximately 47 kg more than 1986 Buick Electra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1972 Ford Mustang 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 1972 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1972 Ford Mustang (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Buick Electra. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Buick Electra. 1986 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1986 Buick Electra 1972 Ford Mustang
Make Buick Ford
Model Electra Mustang
Year Released 1986 1972
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3791 cc 5753 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type V V
Horse Power 138 HP 178 HP
Engine RPM 4400 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 271 Nm 385 Nm
Torque RPM 2000 RPM 2000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 96.5 mm 101.6 mm
Engine Stroke Size 86.4 mm 88.8 mm
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Vehicle Weight 1480 kg 1527 kg
Vehicle Length 4990 mm 4820 mm
Vehicle Width 1840 mm 1890 mm
Vehicle Height 1400 mm 1300 mm
Wheelbase Size 2820 mm 2780 mm