2004 Buick Century vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Buick Century is newer by 6 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 3,134 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Buick Century (176 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Buick Century weights approximately 138 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 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, 2004 Buick Century (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. 2004 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. 2004 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Buick Century | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Century | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3134 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92.8 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 | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1382 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 62 L |
