1979 Buick Regal vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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 GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1979 Buick Regal. (119 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Regal weights approximately 102 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
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 GTI, 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 Regal (285 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. 1979 Buick Regal has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen GTI will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Buick Regal will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Regal | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Regal | GTI |
| 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 | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2578 mm |
