1985 Buick Electra vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 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 311 more horse power than 1985 Buick Electra. (109 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1985 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Buick Electra weights approximately 200 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
Because 1997 Volkswagen W12 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 1997 Volkswagen W12. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Buick Electra, 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (719 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 523 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Buick Electra. (196 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Buick Electra | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | W12 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2550 mm |
