1988 Buick Electra vs. 1974 Volvo 245
To start off, 1988 Buick Electra is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 245. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 245 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 245. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 245. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 181 kg more than 1974 Volvo 245. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Volvo 245 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 Volvo 245. 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, 1988 Buick Electra (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 245. (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 245.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 1974 Volvo 245 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Electra | 245 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2125 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1394 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2650 mm |
