1976 Buick Estate vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (232 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1976 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1976 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Estate weights approximately 483 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
Because 1976 Buick Estate 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 1976 Buick Estate. 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, 1976 Buick Estate (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. 1976 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen GTI will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick Estate | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Estate | GTI |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1884 kg | 1401 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2578 mm |
