1978 Buick Electra vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Electra (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 471 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Buick Electra 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 Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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 Electra (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. 1978 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 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 | 1785 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2578 mm |
