1976 Buick LeSabre vs. 1987 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1987 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Buick LeSabre (153 HP) has 83 more horse power than 1987 Volkswagen Passat. (70 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1987 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 706 kg more than 1987 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Buick LeSabre 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 LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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 LeSabre (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Volkswagen Passat. (118 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1976 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick LeSabre | 1987 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | LeSabre | Passat |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 70 HP |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2560 mm |
