1980 Buick Electra vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat 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 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1980 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 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 123 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Buick Electra. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Buick Electra. 1980 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2011 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 | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | Passat |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 70 L |
