1979 Buick Electra vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1979 Buick Electra is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 5,736 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Buick Electra (104 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Electra weights approximately 910 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1979 Buick Electra (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (82 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Electra | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1825 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2480 mm |
