1987 Buick Electra vs. 1974 Rover 3.5
To start off, 1987 Buick Electra is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Rover 3.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Rover 3.5 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Rover 3.5 (149 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1987 Buick Electra. (139 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Rover 3.5 should accelerate faster than 1987 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 158 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 1974 Rover 3.5 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 1974 Rover 3.5. 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, 1974 Rover 3.5 (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Buick Electra. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Electra | 1974 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | Buick | Rover |
| Model | Electra | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1638 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2820 mm |
