1979 Buick Estate vs. 1982 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1982 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Estate would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Buick Estate (138 HP) has 79 more horse power than 1982 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1982 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Estate weights approximately 930 kg more than 1982 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Buick Estate 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 Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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 Estate (318 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Volkswagen Passat. (101 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Estate | 1982 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Estate | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 318 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2560 mm |
