1979 Buick Electra vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,736 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1979 Buick Electra. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Electra weights approximately 500 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1979 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 1979 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Electra. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Electra. 1979 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Buick Electra | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Electra | Golf |
Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1968 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 104 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 274 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1825 kg | 1325 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4210 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1490 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2580 mm |