1980 Buick LeSabre vs. 1986 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1986 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Buick LeSabre (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 554 kg more than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Buick LeSabre 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 LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1980 Buick LeSabre (279 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick LeSabre | 1986 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | LeSabre | Passat |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1026 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2560 mm |
