1988 Buick Electra vs. 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1988 Buick Electra is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster 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 63 more horse power than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 40 kg more than 1988 Buick Electra.
Because 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Buick Electra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. (238 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Buick | Plymouth |
| Model | Electra | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2700 mm |
