1981 Buick Estate vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1981 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Estate weights approximately 530 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 1981 Buick Estate 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 Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1981 Buick Estate (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (241 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. 1981 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Estate | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Estate | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2580 mm |
