1971 Buick GS vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Buick GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Buick GS would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Buick GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick GS (190 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick GS should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick GS weights approximately 385 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Buick GS 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 1971 Buick GS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1971 Buick GS (394 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1971 Buick GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick GS | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | GS | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 394 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2580 mm |
