1979 Buick Electra vs. 1982 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1982 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Electra 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 14 more horse power than 1982 Volkswagen Santana. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1982 Volkswagen Santana.
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, 1982 Volkswagen Santana, 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 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Volkswagen Santana. (145 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Volkswagen Santana. 1979 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1982 Volkswagen Santana has manual transmission. 1982 Volkswagen Santana will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Electra | 1982 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | Santana |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2560 mm |
