1978 Buick Electra vs. 2010 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Routan is newer by 32 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, 2010 Volkswagen Routan (251 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 311 kg more than 1978 Buick Electra. 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, 2010 Volkswagen Routan, 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 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Volkswagen Routan. (351 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Volkswagen Routan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 2010 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | Routan |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 2096 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1953 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 3078 mm |
