1951 Buick 40 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Buick 40 would be higher. At 4,066 cc (8 cylinders), 1951 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1951 Buick 40 (119 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1951 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Buick 40 weights approximately 885 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Buick 40 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 1951 Buick 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1951 Buick 40 (292 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1951 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
1951 Buick 40 | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | 40 | Golf |
Year Released | 1951 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4066 cc | 1093 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 119 HP | 49 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 292 Nm | 79 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 69.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 104.8 mm | 72 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 750 kg |
Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1620 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2410 mm |