1974 Buick Skylark vs. 2009 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 35 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, 2009 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1974 Buick Skylark. (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1974 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 702 kg more than 1974 Buick Skylark. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 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, 1974 Buick Skylark (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen GTI. (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen GTI.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Skylark | 2009 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Skylark | GTI |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
