1980 Buick LeSabre vs. 1986 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1986 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Volkswagen Golf (137 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1980 Buick LeSabre. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 673 kg more than 1986 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1980 Buick LeSabre 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 LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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 LeSabre (279 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volkswagen Golf. (169 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1980 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volkswagen Golf. 1980 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1986 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1986 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Buick LeSabre | 1986 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | LeSabre | Golf |
Year Released | 1980 | 1986 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1781 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 137 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
Torque | 279 Nm | 169 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 907 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 3990 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2480 mm |