1980 Buick Electra vs. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1980 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 380 kg more than 1980 Buick Electra. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (315 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Buick Electra. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Buick Electra. 1980 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 Phaeton | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 2070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 90 L |
