1996 Buick Roadmaster vs. 1973 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 1996 Buick Roadmaster is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen K 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen K 70 would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Buick Roadmaster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Roadmaster (256 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen K 70. (75 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Roadmaster should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen K 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Roadmaster weights approximately 800 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen K 70. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Buick Roadmaster 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 1996 Buick Roadmaster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen K 70, 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, 1996 Buick Roadmaster (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 324 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen K 70. (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Roadmaster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen K 70. 1996 Buick Roadmaster has automatic transmission and 1973 Volkswagen K 70 has manual transmission. 1973 Volkswagen K 70 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Roadmaster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Roadmaster | 1973 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Roadmaster | K 70 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5490 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2700 mm |
