1990 Buick Electra vs. 1978 Renault 4
To start off, 1990 Buick Electra is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Renault 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Renault 4 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1978 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Buick Electra weights approximately 915 kg more than 1978 Renault 4. 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, 1990 Buick Electra (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 4. (58 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1990 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 4. 1990 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1978 Renault 4 has manual transmission. 1978 Renault 4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Buick Electra | 1978 Renault 4 | |
| Make | Buick | Renault |
| Model | Electra | 4 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 845 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 58 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 58 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2410 mm |
