1992 Buick Roadmaster vs. 1981 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1992 Buick Roadmaster is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 Buick Roadmaster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Buick Roadmaster (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Buick Roadmaster should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Buick Roadmaster weights approximately 1060 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1992 Buick Roadmaster 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 1992 Buick Roadmaster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1992 Buick Roadmaster (346 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1992 Buick Roadmaster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. 1992 Buick Roadmaster has automatic transmission and 1981 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1981 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1992 Buick Roadmaster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Buick Roadmaster | 1981 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Roadmaster | Passat |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5000 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5540 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2560 mm |
