1976 Buick LeSabre vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 6,598 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Buick LeSabre (182 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 570 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Buick LeSabre 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 LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1976 Buick LeSabre (435 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1976 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. 1976 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick LeSabre | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | LeSabre | Golf |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6598 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2512 mm |
