1980 Buick Electra vs. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Buick Electra (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. (109 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 764 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1980 Buick Electra (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. 1980 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1985 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Electra | 1985 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1779 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2480 mm |
