1981 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2011 Buick Park Avenue
To start off, 2011 Buick Park Avenue is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,564 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Buick Park Avenue is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Buick Park Avenue (251 HP) has 192 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Buick Park Avenue should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Buick Park Avenue weights approximately 951 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Buick Park Avenue 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 2011 Buick Park Avenue. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 2011 Buick Park Avenue (340 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Buick Park Avenue will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volkswagen Passat | 2011 Buick Park Avenue | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Buick |
| Model | Passat | Park Avenue |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 3564 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 251 HP |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1891 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5175 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1899 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 3009 mm |
