1988 Buick Electra vs. 2012 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Routan is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Buick Electra would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Routan (283 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1988 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 509 kg more than 1988 Buick Electra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2012 Volkswagen Routan (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Electra. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Routan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 2012 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | Routan |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 2084 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1953 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 3078 mm |
