1977 Buick LeSabre vs. 1979 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Buick LeSabre (163 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 750 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Buick LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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 LeSabre (329 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1977 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. 1977 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1979 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1979 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1977 Buick LeSabre | 1979 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | LeSabre | Passat |
Year Released | 1977 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1272 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 163 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 329 Nm | 95 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 880 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4300 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1630 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2480 mm |