1979 Buick Regal vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Regal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Regal would be higher. At 4,348 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Buick Regal (119 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Regal weights approximately 535 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Buick Regal 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 Regal. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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 Regal (285 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. 1979 Buick Regal has automatic transmission and 1980 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1980 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Buick Regal will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Regal | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Regal | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4348 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2560 mm |
