1971 Buick Skylark vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick Skylark (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Skylark weights approximately 445 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 1971 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 1971 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, 1971 Buick Skylark (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Skylark | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Skylark | Golf |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
