1978 Buick Estate vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1978 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Estate weights approximately 480 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 1978 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 1978 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 Estate (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Buick Estate | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Estate | Jetta |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5736 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 153 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 381 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1400 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4557 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1781 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1504 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2578 mm |