1985 Buick Wildcat vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Buick Wildcat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Buick Wildcat would be higher. At 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Buick Wildcat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Buick Wildcat (355 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 288 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (67 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Buick Wildcat should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Buick Wildcat weights approximately 140 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Buick Wildcat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Buick Wildcat will offer significantly more control. 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, 1985 Buick Wildcat (551 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 427 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (124 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1985 Buick Wildcat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. 1985 Buick Wildcat has automatic transmission and 1988 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1988 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Buick Wildcat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Buick Wildcat | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Wildcat | Passat |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3785 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 551 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2630 mm |
