1972 Buick Centurion vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Buick Centurion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Buick Centurion would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Buick Centurion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Buick Centurion (225 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick Centurion should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Centurion weights approximately 670 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 1972 Buick Centurion 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 1972 Buick Centurion. 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, 1972 Buick Centurion (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Centurion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 1972 Buick Centurion has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Buick Centurion will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Centurion | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Centurion | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2070 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2651 mm |
