1970 Buick Skylark vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 5,724 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Buick Skylark (195 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Buick Skylark weights approximately 454 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Buick Skylark 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 1970 Buick Skylark. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1970 Buick Skylark (393 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1970 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 1997 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1970 Buick Skylark has manual transmission. 1970 Buick Skylark will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Buick Skylark | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Skylark | Golf |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1629 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2470 mm |
