1988 Buick Electra vs. 2012 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2012 Ford Explorer is newer by 24 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, 2012 Ford Explorer (290 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1988 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Explorer weights approximately 492 kg more than 1988 Buick Electra. 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, 2012 Ford Explorer (345 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Electra. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 2012 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Electra | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 2067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5006 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2004 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1788 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2860 mm |
