1978 Buick LeSabre 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 LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1978 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 5 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1978 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 1978 Buick LeSabre. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Buick LeSabre | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | LeSabre | Passat |
Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1968 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 104 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 251 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1585 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4780 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1520 mm |