1987 Buick Electra vs. 1972 Ford Gran Torino
To start off, 1987 Buick Electra is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 5,751 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1987 Buick Electra. (139 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Gran Torino should accelerate faster than 1987 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 262 kg more than 1987 Buick Electra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Ford Gran Torino 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 Gran Torino. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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 Gran Torino (374 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Buick Electra. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Electra | 1972 Ford Gran Torino | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Electra | Gran Torino |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 374 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 | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2900 mm |
