1989 Buick Estate vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1989 Buick Estate is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 6,597 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Buick Estate (182 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Estate weights approximately 1135 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1989 Buick Estate (435 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. 1989 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 1981 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1981 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Buick Estate | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Estate | Golf |
Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 6597 cc | 1093 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 182 HP | 49 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 435 Nm | 79 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 750 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 3830 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |