1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 5,736 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (105 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 464 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1981 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 1981 Buick LeSabre. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Buick LeSabre | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | LeSabre | Golf |
Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1895 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 105 HP | 197 HP |
Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 274 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1336 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4220 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2510 mm |