1977 Buick Estate vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1977 Buick Estate is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Buick Estate (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Buick Estate weights approximately 960 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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 Estate (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (121 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1977 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Buick Estate | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Estate | Passat |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2480 mm |
