2004 Alpina Roadster vs. 1988 Buick Electra
To start off, 2004 Alpina Roadster is newer by 16 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, 2004 Alpina Roadster (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1988 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alpina Roadster should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alpina Roadster weights approximately 45 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.
Because 2004 Alpina Roadster 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 2004 Alpina Roadster. 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, 2004 Alpina Roadster (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Electra. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Alpina Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Electra. 1988 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2004 Alpina Roadster has manual transmission. 2004 Alpina Roadster 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:
| 2004 Alpina Roadster | 1988 Buick Electra | |
| Make | Alpina | Buick |
| Model | Roadster | Electra |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2820 mm |
