1979 Buick Electra vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 33 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, 2012 Volkswagen T5 (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1979 Buick Electra. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 585 kg more than 1979 Buick Electra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Volkswagen T5 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, 2012 Volkswagen T5 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, 2012 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Electra. (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Electra. 1979 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen T5 has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen T5 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 | 2012 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | T5 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 3010 mm |
