1979 Buick Regal vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Regal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Regal would be higher. At 4,348 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1979 Buick Regal. (119 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Regal weights approximately 137 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1979 Buick Regal 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 Regal. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Regal. (285 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Regal | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Regal | Golf |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4348 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1358 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2578 mm |
