1977 Buick Regal vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Buick Regal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Buick Regal would be higher. At 5,736 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Buick Regal (163 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (138 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 54 kg more than 1977 Buick Regal.
Because 1977 Buick Regal 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 Regal. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 Regal (352 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1977 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 1977 Buick Regal has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Buick Regal will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Buick Regal | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Regal | Passat |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 352 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2712 mm |
