1979 Buick Estate vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 25 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1979 Buick Estate. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Estate weights approximately 630 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2004 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 (318 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Estate | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Estate | Golf |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 318 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2470 mm |
