1973 Buick Skylark vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (232 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1973 Buick Skylark. (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1973 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Skylark weights approximately 204 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
Because 1973 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 1973 Buick Skylark. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 1973 Buick Skylark (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Skylark | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Skylark | GTI |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1401 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
