1983 Buick Electra vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,600 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 297 more horse power than 1983 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1983 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Buick Electra weights approximately 490 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (719 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 440 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Buick Electra. (279 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Buick Electra | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | W12 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 55 L |
