1977 Buick LeSabre vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Buick LeSabre (163 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 174 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Buick LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 1977 Buick LeSabre (329 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1977 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 1977 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Buick LeSabre | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | LeSabre | Golf |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 329 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1456 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2578 mm |
