1980 Buick Electra vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 32 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1980 Buick Electra. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 325 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
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, 2012 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 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 1980 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Electra | Jetta |
Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5032 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 325 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1400 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 |