1988 Buick Electra vs. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1988 Buick Electra is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 95 kg more than 1988 Buick Electra.
Because 1978 Chevrolet Caprice 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 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. 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 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (280 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Electra | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2950 mm |
