1980 Buick Electra vs. 2012 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Routan 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 Routan (283 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1980 Buick Electra. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 313 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, 2012 Volkswagen Routan, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Routan (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Buick Electra. (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Routan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Electra | 2012 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | Routan |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 2038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1953 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 3078 mm |
