1972 Buick GS vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Buick GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Buick GS would be higher. At 5,723 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Buick GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Buick GS (190 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick GS should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick GS weights approximately 89 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Buick GS 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 1972 Buick GS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1972 Buick GS (394 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1972 Buick GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1972 Buick GS has manual transmission. 1972 Buick GS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick GS | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | GS | Passat |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5723 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 394 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2712 mm |
