1979 Buick Electra vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 29 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 4,942 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1979 Buick Electra. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Electra weights approximately 375 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Buick Electra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will offer significantly more control. 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 (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Electra | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2580 mm |
