1996 Buick Park Avenue vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Buick Park Avenue. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Buick Park Avenue would be higher. At 3,798 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Park Avenue is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Park Avenue (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Park Avenue should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Park Avenue weights approximately 284 kg more than 2012 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, 1996 Buick Park Avenue (387 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Park Avenue will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 1996 Buick Park Avenue has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Park Avenue will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Park Avenue | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Park Avenue | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3798 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1456 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
