1982 Buick Electra vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1982 Buick Electra is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 4,128 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Buick Electra (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Buick Electra weights approximately 1005 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 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 1982 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1982 Buick Electra (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1982 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. 1982 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Buick Electra | 1978 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | Polo |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4128 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 35 L |
