1981 Buick Electra vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 32 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, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1981 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Electra weights approximately 256 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 2013 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, 1981 Buick Electra (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. 1981 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Electra | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2803 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 70 L |
