1978 Buick Estate vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Estate (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Estate weights approximately 402 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Estate (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Estate | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Estate | Passat |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1478 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2720 mm |
