1988 Buick Electra vs. 2013 Chevrolet Sonic
To start off, 2013 Chevrolet Sonic is newer by 25 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 29 more horse power than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. (134 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 355 kg more than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. 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 116 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. (169 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 2013 Chevrolet Sonic | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Electra | Sonic |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4039 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1517 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2525 mm |
