1954 Buick 40 vs. 1976 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1976 Volkswagen 1302 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Buick 40 would be higher. At 5,279 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Buick 40 (193 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Buick 40 weights approximately 964 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen 1302. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1954 Buick 40 (410 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 326 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1954 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen 1302.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Buick 40 | 1976 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | 40 | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5279 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 756 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2410 mm |
