1977 Buick Electra vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Buick Electra (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (108 HP @ 4150 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Buick Electra weights approximately 410 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1977 Buick Electra (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (235 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1977 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. 1977 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Buick Electra | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | Passat |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4150 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2710 mm |
