2003 Buick Rendezvous vs. 1988 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Buick Rendezvous is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,350 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Buick Rendezvous is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Buick Rendezvous (185 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (157 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Buick Rendezvous should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Buick Rendezvous weights approximately 625 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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, 2003 Buick Rendezvous (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Buick Rendezvous will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. 2003 Buick Rendezvous has automatic transmission and 1988 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1988 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Buick Rendezvous will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Buick Rendezvous | 1988 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rendezvous | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3350 cc | 1763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2490 mm |
