1988 Buick Electra vs. 1981 Ford Capri
To start off, 1988 Buick Electra is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Capri 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 5 more horse power than 1981 Ford Capri. (158 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 345 kg more than 1981 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ford Capri 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 1981 Ford Capri. 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 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (221 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Capri. 1988 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Capri will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 1981 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Electra | Capri |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2570 mm |
