1981 Buick Estate 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 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, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1981 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Estate weights approximately 317 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 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 Estate (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Estate | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Estate | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2803 mm |
