1980 Buick Electra vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 31 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, 1980 Buick Electra (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 453 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 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 (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. 1980 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2011 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 | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Electra | Jetta |
Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5032 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 115 HP |
Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 325 Nm | 169 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1272 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4644 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1778 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1482 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2651 mm |