1978 Buick Century vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,213 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Century weights approximately 105 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Century. (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Century | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Century | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3213 cc | 1966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2580 mm |
