1974 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1978 Buick Century
To start off, 1978 Buick Century is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Century (110 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Century weights approximately 575 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Buick Century 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 1978 Buick Century. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1978 Buick Century (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. (114 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
1974 Volkswagen Golf | 1978 Buick Century | |
Make | Volkswagen | Buick |
Model | Golf | Century |
Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1469 cc | 3788 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 70 HP | 110 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 114 Nm | 217 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1430 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4990 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2760 mm |