1987 Buick Electra vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Buick Electra would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Buick Electra (139 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Buick Electra weights approximately 180 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (285 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Buick Electra. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Buick Electra. 1987 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Electra | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | Golf |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2520 mm |
