1988 Buick Electra vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Buick Electra would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1988 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 250 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Electra. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Electra. 1988 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electra | Golf |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2580 mm |
