2002 Buick Century vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2002 Buick Century is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2002 Buick Century. (176 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2002 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Buick Century weights approximately 113 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1998 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Buick Century. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (270 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Buick Century. (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Buick Century. 2002 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 1998 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1998 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Buick Century | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Century | Golf |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 62 L |
