1988 Buick Electra vs. 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
To start off, 1988 Buick Electra is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser would be higher. At 5,734 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 370 kg more than 1988 Buick Electra.
Because 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser 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 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Electra. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | |
| Make | Buick | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Electra | Vista Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5734 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 3080 mm |
