2004 Buick Rainier vs. 1983 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Buick Rainier is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,194 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Buick Rainier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Buick Rainier (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Buick Rainier should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Buick Rainier weights approximately 1155 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Buick Rainier is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Buick Rainier 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, 2004 Buick Rainier (373 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 273 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Buick Rainier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. 2004 Buick Rainier has automatic transmission and 1983 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1983 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Buick Rainier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Buick Rainier | 1983 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rainier | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1983 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4194 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 102 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2095 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2560 mm |
