1987 Buick Electra vs. 1979 Mazda Montrose
To start off, 1987 Buick Electra is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda Montrose. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda Montrose would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Buick Electra (139 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (75 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda Montrose. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Buick Electra weights approximately 412 kg more than 1979 Mazda Montrose. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mazda Montrose 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 Mazda Montrose. 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, 1987 Buick Electra (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (119 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda Montrose. 1987 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1979 Mazda Montrose has manual transmission. 1979 Mazda Montrose will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Electra | 1979 Mazda Montrose | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Electra | Montrose |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2520 mm |
