1988 Buick Electra vs. 2008 Saturn Astra
To start off, 2008 Saturn Astra is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Buick Electra 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 24 more horse power than 2008 Saturn Astra. (139 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 2008 Saturn Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 290 kg more than 2008 Saturn Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 2008 Saturn Astra. (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Saturn Astra. 1988 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2008 Saturn Astra has manual transmission. 2008 Saturn Astra 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 | 2008 Saturn Astra | |
| Make | Buick | Saturn |
| Model | Electra | Astra |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2620 mm |
