1981 Buick Electra vs. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1981 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 384 kg more than 1981 Buick Electra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton, 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, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton (315 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick Electra. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Electra | 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 2076 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 90 L |
