1970 Buick Skylark vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 42 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 5,723 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1970 Buick Skylark. (155 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1970 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Buick Skylark weights approximately 470 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1970 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Buick Skylark | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Skylark | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5723 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5430 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2578 mm |
