2005 Audi A3 vs. 1980 Buick Estate

To start off, 2005 Audi A3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick Estate would be higher. At 4,931 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Audi A3 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1980 Buick Estate. (140 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Estate weights approximately 555 kg more than 2005 Audi A3.

Because 1980 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 1980 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Audi A3, 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, 1980 Buick Estate (318 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Audi A3. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Audi A3. 1980 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 2005 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 2005 Audi A3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2005 Audi A3 1980 Buick Estate
Make Audi Buick
Model A3 Estate
Year Released 2005 1980
Body Type Hatchback Station Wagon
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1983 cc 4931 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 148 HP 140 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 3600 RPM
Torque 200 Nm 318 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 2000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 82.5 mm 101.6 mm
Engine Stroke Size 92.8 mm 76.2 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 11.5:1 8.0:1
Fuel Type Gasoline - Premium Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1315 kg 1870 kg
Vehicle Length 4210 mm 5510 mm
Vehicle Width 1770 mm 1990 mm
Vehicle Height 1430 mm 1440 mm
Wheelbase Size 2660 mm 2950 mm