1986 Buick Electra vs. 1979 Datsun Laurel
To start off, 1986 Buick Electra is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Datsun Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Datsun Laurel would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Buick Electra (138 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1979 Datsun Laurel. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1979 Datsun Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Buick Electra weights approximately 292 kg more than 1979 Datsun Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Datsun Laurel 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 1979 Datsun Laurel. 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, 1986 Buick Electra (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Datsun Laurel. (175 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1986 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Datsun Laurel. 1986 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1979 Datsun Laurel has manual transmission. 1979 Datsun Laurel 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 | 1979 Datsun Laurel | |
| Make | Buick | Datsun |
| Model | Electra | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2680 mm |
