1979 Buick Estate vs. 1996 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Buick Estate (104 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Estate weights approximately 715 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1979 Buick Estate (275 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (116 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. 1979 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Estate | 1996 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Estate | Golf |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2480 mm |
