1974 Buick Skylark vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1974 Buick Skylark. (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1974 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Skylark weights approximately 269 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1974 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 1974 Buick Skylark. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1974 Buick Skylark (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. 2004 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1974 Buick Skylark has manual transmission. 1974 Buick Skylark will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Skylark | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Skylark | Golf |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
