1980 Buick Electra vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 26 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 5,032 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1980 Buick Electra. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 225 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 2006 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, 1980 Buick Electra (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. 1980 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | Passat |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2720 mm |
