1979 Buick Electra vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 25 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 3 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Electra weights approximately 494 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 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 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. 1979 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2004 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2004 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1825 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2710 mm |
