1990 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Buick Enclave
To start off, 2012 Buick Enclave is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Buick Enclave is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick Enclave (288 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick Enclave should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick Enclave weights approximately 848 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Buick Enclave. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2012 Buick Enclave (366 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Buick Enclave will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 Buick Enclave has automatic transmission and 1990 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1990 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Buick Enclave will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Buick Enclave | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Buick |
| Model | Passat | Enclave |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 2168 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 5126 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2007 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1842 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3020 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.2 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 83 L |
