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 5,724 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Buick Skylark (195 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Buick Skylark weights approximately 229 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 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 (393 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 153 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 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1629 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2578 mm |
