1988 Buick Electra vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 Buick Electra is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (190 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1988 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 101 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1985 Pontiac Firebird 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 1985 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Electra. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Electra. 1988 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1985 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1985 Pontiac Firebird 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 | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Electra | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2570 mm |
