1986 Buick Regal vs. 1984 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1986 Buick Regal is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Buick Regal (235 HP) has 176 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Buick Regal weights approximately 548 kg more than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Buick Regal 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 1986 Buick Regal. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1986 Buick Regal (448 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 348 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Buick Regal | 1984 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Regal | Passat |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 448 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2560 mm |
