1987 Buick Electra vs. 1979 Renault 12
To start off, 1987 Buick Electra is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Renault 12 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 86 more horse power than 1979 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1979 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Buick Electra weights approximately 574 kg more than 1979 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Renault 12. 1987 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1979 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1979 Renault 12 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 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Buick | Renault |
| Model | Electra | 12 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 906 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2450 mm |
