1978 Buick Electra vs. 2002 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Electra (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 478 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1978 Buick Electra (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Passat. (241 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Buick Electra | 2002 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Electra | Passat |
Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5730 cc | 1781 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 153 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 381 Nm | 241 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1307 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2680 mm |