1989 Buick Estate vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Buick Estate would be higher. At 6,597 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1989 Buick Estate. (182 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Estate weights approximately 422 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1989 Buick Estate 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 1989 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 1989 Buick Estate (435 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Estate | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Estate | Passat |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6597 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 1463 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2720 mm |
