1979 Buick Electra vs. 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,736 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze (161 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1979 Buick Electra. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Electra weights approximately 345 kg more than 2011 Chevrolet Cruze.
Because 1979 Buick Electra 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 1979 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 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, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze (360 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Electra. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Electra | 2011 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Electra | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1825 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1797 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2685 mm |
