1976 Buick Estate vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1976 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1976 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 426 kg more than 1976 Buick Estate. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Buick Estate 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 1976 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 1976 Buick Estate (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick Estate | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Estate | Passat |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1884 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2720 mm |
