1980 Buick Estate vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,030 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1980 Buick Estate. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Estate weights approximately 634 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1980 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 1980 Buick Estate. 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, 1980 Buick Estate (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 1980 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Estate | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Estate | Golf |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5030 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1980 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2578 mm |
